DRIVERS are being warned to expect perilous road conditions if storms follow the sweltering heatwave.

Sussex Police have urged people to be careful in their cars as sudden rainfall could cause cars to skid and roads to become slippery.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder from the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit said: “Experience suggests that a fresh fall of rain on roads that have been baked in the summer heatwave is likely to leave them very slippery and unfortunately, experience also

suggests that many drivers just won’t make allowances for it.

“During spells of hot weather, the bitumen in roads warms up and can seep through to the surface reducing the effectiveness of the texture and resistance to skidding.

“Additionally, there can be a build-up of rubber and traces of oil or diesel, which mix with the rain to create a very slippery surface.”

Chief Insp Hodder urged motorists to learn from racing drivers.

He said: “Think of how highly skilled racing drivers struggle to keep control of their cars when an unexpected downpour soaks the track and do what they do – slow down and make allowances for it.

“Add the further hazards of increased stopping distances and reduced visibility from rain and spray and it should be clear to everyone that you need to take much more care.”