Aberdeenshire Council is calling for motorists to be vigilant and be aware of loose chips on “newly dressed roads”.

Work begins shortly on roads around Westhill and District to improve weather-damaged roads.

The council says the technique of laying hot bitumen, followed by chippings, gives better grip to vehicles.

But it means drivers need to take extra care when passing over treated sections as there is a short term, heightened risk of skidding.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Head of Roads and Landscape Services, Philip McKay, said: “Warning signs advising of surface dressing works are always erected prior to work starting, and remain in place for several days after the work has been carried out.

“While it sometimes may appear that a road is clear and suitable for normal use, there may still be loose chippings to watch out for, so I would urge road users to always adhere to advisory signs and drive at the appropriate speed.

“Driving at excessive speed over loose chippings can cause spinning and skidding, as well as chipping to windscreens and paintwork. I would urge road users to drive at the advised speed limit to avoid any accidents.”

The council’s director of infrastructure services, Stephen Archer, said: “Surface dressing is often carried out while the road is still open to traffic, so I would strongly advise motorists to take extra care when out on Aberdeenshire’s roads this summer.

“Road users should always bear in mind that a roads crew could be carrying out surface dressing works just around the next corner – we want you and our colleagues to stay safe while we’re improving the roads network.”