The line pressure distribution of a roller comprising a revolving hollow cylinder forming the working roller circumference, and a stationary cross head which extends lengthwise through the hollow cylinder and leaves space all around from the inside circumference of the hollow cylinder, the roller having longitudinal chambers which are divided off by longitudinal seals which are arranged between the cross head and the inside circumference of the hollow cylinder on both sides of the action plane of the roller and past which the inside circumference of the hollow cylinder slides, at least the chamber situated on the side of the roll gap adapted to be filled with fluid pressure medium, is controlled by establishing zones in at least one of the longitudinal chambers and controllably reducing the pressure in the zones as compared to the pressure prevailing in the longitudinal chamber.