ROAD engineers are hard at work repairing the thousands of potholes that erupted across after the snow and ice earlier this month.

With ice expanding cracks in roads, highways oficers have found more than 5,000 holes, 3,000 of which need urgent action as they are dangerous.

County councillor Stuart Pile, cabinet member for roads, said: "The coldest weather conditions for nearly 30 years have taken a major toll on Hertfordshire’s roads, pavements and cycleways.

"We're identifying around 300 potholes a day.

"Currently, we have 36 repair gangs, a number of surfacing contractors and four jet patching machines engaged in repairing Hertfordshire's roads.

"It is going to cost tens of millions.

"This is going to be a costly and lengthy process and we ask for residents' patience while we tackle this immense task, as well as reminding all road users to take care on damaged roads."

After February 2009's cold snap, more than 15,000 potholes were repaired in six weeks in Hertfordshire at a cost of more than £1.1 million.