Pothole repairs will cost the council around £10m, as well as a further £9m needed for gritting expenses.

It has since announced it will propose 2.94 per cent rise in council tax for 2010 which, although the lowest rise in 16 years, would have been less had the damage to roads not been so extensive.

Next week, the council's executive will be asked to approve the use of £1m from reserves so that an immediate start can be made on emergency repairs to the county's frost-damaged highways.

Severe weather

John Fort, executive member for highways, said in a statement: "Every winter throws up highways damage which needs repair, but this year has been the worst many people can remember for around 30 years

"We do not at this stage know what the precise cost of the repairs will be, but North Yorkshire has the largest network of roads in England, and many of them have been seriously damaged in this very severe weather."

The proposed council tax rise will be considered by the council's executive on Tuesday (Feb 9) and by the full county council on February 17.