An A-road that melted during extreme temperatures earlier in the week was supposed to be fixed overnight - but work did not go ahead after all. 

The road surface on the A4010, a major route between West Wycombe, High Wycombe and Princes Risborough and Aylesbury and one used by ambulances heading to and from Stoke Mandeville Hospital, started melting on Monday as temperatures started to rise. 

There were warnings the melted road surface could make conditions dangerous for drivers, and they were urged to either avoid the road completely or drive much slower until it could be fixed. 

Transport for Bucks (TfB) has been "dusting" the road with stone in a bid to soak up the melted tar and monitoring it regularly, but a proper fix was expected to be carried out overnight on Thursday, July 21.

However, TfB said the work could not go ahead after all, because it actually needs specialist treatment that they could not carry out there and then.

"Works on A4010 Bradenham Road on approach to the Pedestal Roundabout have been postponed as upon further inspection, specialist treatment is needed and we are working to get the specialist materials and crews required to complete the repairs," they said. 

"We will continue to monitor the road and will keep you posted as to when the works have been rescheduled for.

"Thank you for your patience and please continue to drive with care."

When temperatures break 30C for a prolonged period, roads are at risk of starting to melt.

Gritter lorries can be used to spread light dustings of crushed stone instead of the salt they use during the colder months to reduce the chances of road surfaces melting.