A bitumen containing composition, comprising bitumen and a phosphate compound, which is obtainable by the esterification of a polyhydric alcohol having at least three hydroxyl groups, with a carboxylic acid having 8-24 carbon atoms, preferably 12-22 carbon atoms, or a derivative thereof, wherein at least one but not all of the hydroxyl groups are esterified, provided that when the polyhydric alcohol has 5 or more hydroxyl groups then at least two but not all of the hydroxyl groups are esterified, followed by reacting the ester obtained with a phosphatising reagent; wherein the said composition is not a bitumen-in-water emulsion.