Microasphalt – dubbed 'slurry seal' – is used to re-surface deteriorating footpaths.
But residents say it is poor quality and leaves footpaths worse than before with weeds and grass growing through the cracks.
Now Hampshire County Council has revealed its new roads contractor, Amey, plans to use the cheaper alternative to Tarmac to patch up streets across the county.
Councillor Mel Kendal, who is in charge of environmental issues at Hampshire County Council, said: 'We have not used microasphalt for a number of years but under the contract with Amey, microashphalt will be used in certain circumstances.
'This could be where the road is structurally sound and minor defects need to be redressed or where the kerb height is limited.
'This material is one of a wide range of surface dressing materials that we use.'
Senior transport figures at the council will decide exactly where the microasphalt will be used before instructing Amey, which won the £245m contract to maintain Hampshire's highways in May this year, to carry out the work.
They say it is just one of a range of options, and won't be seen until next year.
Cllr Kendal added: 'A benefit of using microasphalt, particularly in urban areas, is that it is applied cold and sets in around 10 minutes minimising the risk of bitumen being picked up underfoot and walked into homes.
'Obviously, if there was any sign of weed growth before laying the dressing, this would be treated appropriately before application.'
As reported in The News last Thursday, Portsmouth council leader Gerald Vernon-Jackson is calling for talks with road contractor Colas to try and find an alternative substance to microasphalt in the city after a barrage of complaints.
Paul Fisher, chairman of Hayling Island Residents' Association, said: 'Hampshire needs to learn from Portsmouth's mistakes – not follow them.
'Using this substance seems to me to be a formula for disaster. It is a quick fix and it is not what we pay our council tax for.'