The county council has set aside �1.84m to resurface about 100 miles of road over the next three months.

Rural roads are to be particularly targeted to improve road safety.

The council's assistant highways director, Matthew Lugg, said that the work could cause some delays.

Less expensive

Mr Lugg said: "Drivers also need to drive very carefully and slow down when using newly-resurfaced roads for safety reasons, and to avoid damage to their own and other peoples' vehicles."

The council said the new coatings should improve skid resistance and help seal minor roads against deterioration.

Surface dressing costs about 20% less than conventional asphalt resurfacing.