Days of long delays on the A41 were extended as an "emergency" — the council has said.

Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) had put road closures in place in the A41, near Kings Langley, for surface dressing at the end of last week.

These caused “long delays” on the road between the M25 and Hemel Hempstead while they were in place, with HCC Highways advising people avoid it on the Friday (June 30).

A council spokesperson added: “However, it became apparent on Saturday that due to vehicles not abiding to the advised speed limits, the material had stripped off and had become dangerous.

“The decision was taken to close the road again on Saturday evening as an emergency and since then lane closures have been in place to try and keep speeds down and allow for the new surface material to embed.”

The works again caused long delays today (July 4) and yesterday.

Highways has been sweeping the road with the aim of lifting the closures later today if the road is deemed safe.

Surface dressing, which prolongs the life of a road surface, involves putting a thin layer is put over the top of the existing road surface to seal and protect it, restoring skid resistance and preventing water getting in.