Bin lorry sinks into road as street melts in soaring temperatures

Councils use gritting lorries to spread crushed rock dust to create non-stick surfaces

A bin lorry stuck after the carriageway gave way after the summer heat melted the asphalt in Old Bath Road (PA)

For anyone left in any doubt about just how hot the UK is this week: a bin lorry has become stuck after the street beneath it appeared to melt away.

The truck’s back wheels sunk into Old Bath Road in Newbury, Berkshire, which had partially collapsed.

The crew reported being thrown forward as their vehicle lurched to a sudden, sinking stop.

And, while it has not yet been confirmed if the hot weather caused the surface deterioration, incidents of melting tarmac have been reported across the country.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the road had been closed overnight on Wednesday and Thursday “when a council refuse vehicle got stuck after the road appeared to open up”.

A crane was eventually used to remove the lorry. Engineers are investigating if the hole was the result of searing temperatures.

The mercury is now set to go even higher, reaching a potential 33C in London and the southeast over the weekend – with some councils using gritting lorries to spread crushed rock dust on melting tar to create non-stick surfaces.