The hot summer has resulted in an estimated £750,000 repair bill for cracked roads.

The dry weather led to serious damage on many parts of the road network in West Sussex.

Councillor Tex Pemberton, the county council's highways and transport executive, said ensuring safety was paramount.

He said: "Many roads are showing signs of cracking and it is essential the worst are sealed as soon as possible before the temperatures dip and freezing water gets in and causes even more serious problems.

"There may be a case for asking the Government to help towards this unplanned repair bill because much of this could be attributed to the impact of climate change.

"I have asked my highways team to keep me updated about the scale of the problem and the action it is taking."

A preliminary survey has been completed into the scale of the cracking and uneven road surfaces.

As well as repairs, it may be necessary to put up warning signs and introduce speed restrictions in the worst affected areas.

A council spokesman said many West Sussex roads were built on clay, which had dried during the summer heatwave.

The loss of moisture below the road foundations had led to shrinkage, resulting in widespread cracking and unevenness.

Coun Pemberton said: "It is a problem that takes time to work up to the surface and the scale of it is only just becoming evident.

"It is not unique to West Sussex and many other highway authorities are facing a similar situation.

"It could not have been foreseen or budgeted for.

"We either need increased funds or for the Department for Transport to review the targets it has set for halting the deterioration of roads by 2004."