Is your driveway looking a little worn? Have you been thinking about having it replaced, but were unsure which company to use? If so, we can make that decision easier at MA Hart Asphalt & Macadam Ltd, as we are the premier tarmac contractors in Dorset. You won’t find a more experienced team than ours. To find out more about how we can transform your drive, call us today on 01202 391 931.
Tarmac Contractors in Dorset
Local Dorset Tarmac Contractors
When it comes to having a new driveway installed, there are many surfacing materials you can choose from. However, none can quite match the qualities that a tarmac surface offers, especially when it is installed by expert tarmac contractors, Dorset residents. Here at MA Hart Asphalt & Macadam Ltd, we are that team of experts and we can create a flawless driveway for your home.
A tarmac surface provides many benefits, most notably strength and durability, making it ideal for driveways. Your new tarmac drive will boast superior strength, ensuring you can park multiple vehicles at once, and it will be highly durable, so the surface will hold up impressively under the weight. Plus, with our tarmac contractors in Dorset on the job, your driveway will also be flawless, adding a touch of sophistication to your property.
Our team of Tarmac Contractors Dorset will sit down with you and discuss your requirements in detail. If you are lacking inspiration, we are more than happy to provide design recommendations for you. Every detail of your new surface will be designed with your input and to your specifications.
Once we get the design approved, we will set a date to begin the installation of your new tarmac surface. When you choose to work with our tarmac contractors, Dorset residents, you can rest assured knowing all our work is guaranteed. You are covered against any eventuality with MA Hart Asphalt & Macadam Ltd.
Other Services Available
Here at MA Hart Asphalt & Macadam Ltd, we are more than just Tarmac Contractors Dorset. We have experience in a wide range of surfacing solutions and our team can handle a variety of projects for our clients, both commercial and domestic. Some of the services we offer include:
We can also provide road sweeper and paver hire should you need it. Regardless of the service you require from our team, you will receive the same high standards of customer service and quality results. To find out more about any of our services, please call us today on 01202 391 931.
A gleaming black driveway will also add sophistication to your property and can even increase the value of your home, making it a great investment. Additionally, a tarmac surface requires very little maintenance in order to retain its aesthetics.
Why Choose Our Tarmac Contractors in Dorset?
Welcome to MA Hart Asphalt & Macadam Ltd, the South’s number one asphalt and tarmacadam specialist. We have over 50 years of experience in the industry and, over the years, we have only gone from strength to strength, improving and expanding upon our services. This has led to us building up a loyal client base, many of whom won’t hesitate to recommend us as Dorset tarmac contractors.
Don’t just take our word for it though; why not take a moment to browse through our testimonials page? On here, you will see a selection of reviews from previous clients, all of whom have been left highly satisfied with our work. Once you have read these, we are confident you will understand why we are so highly recommended as tarmac contractors in Dorset.
If you are in need of further convincing, check out the images on our before and after page. These showcase how our tarmac contractors, Dorset clients, have truly transformed properties over the years. Seeing our work for yourself should give you all the confidence you need to hire our expert team.
So, are you now ready to reach out to our tarmac contractors in Dorset? If so, get in touch via one of the below contact methods.
Contact Us
Call MA Hart Asphalt & Macadam Ltd today on 01202 391 931 to discuss your requirements with our tarmac contractors in Dorset. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form or send an email to info@mahart.co.uk.
FAQ’s
How much does it cost to have tarmac laid?
The average cost for tarmac driveway installation in the UK ranges between £70 and £120 per square metre. For a standard two-car driveway of approximately 50m², you can expect to pay around £4,500.
Several factors influence the final cost:
- Driveway size: Larger driveways benefit from economies of scale, with lower costs per square metre.
- Ground preparation: An additional £1,000 may be required if foundations need to be laid.
- Existing surface condition: Removing old driveways or dealing with difficult ground increases costs
- Regional variations: Prices in London and the South East are typically 10-20% higher than the national average, whilst the North of England, Scotland, and Wales are often 5-10% cheaper
- Labour costs: Driveway specialists typically charge between £150-£200 per day
For accurate pricing tailored to your specific requirements in Dorset, contact MA Hart Asphalt & Macadam Ltd on 01202 391 931 for a free quote.
Is it cheaper to block paving or tarmac?
Tarmac is generally the cheaper option, as its installation is quicker and simpler compared to block paving. Tarmac driveways can be completed within a day, whilst block paving may require several days.
Cost Comparison:
Tarmac typically costs between £30-£45 per m²
Block paving ranges from £50-£80 per m², making it considerably more expensive than tarmac
Long-term considerations:
- Whilst tarmac may be cheaper initially, block paving is more durable and requires less maintenance
- Tarmac offers cost-effectiveness due to simpler installation and limited design options, making it ideal for those on a tight budget
- Block paving often retains its appearance longer than tarmac, though tarmac is cheaper upfront
For homeowners in Dorset seeking the best value, tarmac provides an affordable, durable solution that delivers excellent results without compromising on quality.
Do you need planning permission to lay tarmac?
In most cases, you will not need planning permission for a tarmac driveway, but there are important exceptions.
When planning permission is NOT required:
You will not need planning permission if a new or replacement driveway of any size uses permeable (or porous) surfacing, such as gravel, permeable concrete block paving or porous asphalt, or if the rainwater is directed to a lawn or border to drain naturally
When planning permission IS required:
- If the surface to be covered is more than 5 square metres, planning permission will be needed for laying traditional, impermeable driveways that do not provide for the water to run to a permeable area
- Creating a new access point or crossing from a public road or highway
- Significantly increasing the width of your existing driveway, especially if the widening work involves removing boundary walls, fences, or vegetation
- If you’re in a conservation area, area of outstanding natural beauty, or have a listed building, stricter planning regulations apply
Dropped kerbs: If you require a dropped kerb to gain access to your new wider drive, this will always require planning permission from your local council.
It’s always advisable to check with your local Dorset council before starting work to ensure compliance with all regulations.
When not to lay tarmac?
Tarmac should not be laid on frozen ground or concrete with frozen moisture present. The frozen moisture will melt once the tarmac is applied, causing issues with the tarmac.
Avoid laying tarmac in these conditions:
Rain:
- Hot mix should not be applied when it’s actively raining, as water will cause the tarmac to wash away and ruin the installation
- In order for asphalt to bond correctly, it needs to be laid at temperatures between 10°C and 30°C. Rain cools the material too quickly, impacting its ability to compact correctly
- If it starts raining while the surface is being laid or compacted, moisture can get trapped — weakening the structure
Cold weather:
- Avoid laying tarmac during late autumn, winter, or early spring unless conditions are mild and dry
- When you lay asphalt on frozen ground, it will also freeze and stiffen. The result of this will be potholes and cracks in the surface
High winds:
- High winds can cool the asphalt mix too quickly, which can affect compaction and bonding
Critical timing:
- It’s crucial to check the weather forecast and ensure that there is no chance of rain for at least 12-24 hours after laying the tarmac.
What time of year is best to tarmac a driveway?
The best time of year to tarmac a driveway is during spring or summer when the weather is likely to be warm. This is because the tarmac is applied hot. If the temperature is too low, the mixture can cool and cure too quickly, causing cracks and instability.
Ideal conditions:
- Dry temperatures of at least 15 degrees Celsius and rising are recommended, with up to 30 degrees Celsius being ideal for optimal curing time
- This usually means late spring to early autumn in the UK, typically between April and October
- Summer is a good time of year to get a tarmac driveway done, though you do have to watch out for the hottest days. Spring and early autumn are also good times to consider in the UK
Why weather matters:
- The weather is likely to be dryer at this time of year. Ideally, you should make sure there’s no chance of rain for at least 12 to 24 hours after laying your tarmac
- Warm temperatures ensure proper compaction and adhesion
- Dry conditions prevent bonding issues and surface imperfections
At MA Hart Asphalt & Macadam Ltd, our experienced team in Dorset can advise on the optimal timing for your project and monitor weather conditions to ensure perfect results.
Can I make my driveway bigger without planning permission?
In most cases you will not require planning consent to widen your existing driveway, but there are important conditions to consider.
You can widen WITHOUT planning permission if:
- You’re making small alterations or adjustments to an existing driveway (such as changing the gradient, adding or removing edging stones, or making minor changes to the layout) as long as the overall size and access point remain unchanged
- Using permeable materials that allow natural drainage
- The work doesn’t affect the front elevation and street scene of your property
You WILL need planning permission if:
- The widening project involves demolishing part or even all of a boundary fence or wall fronting a highway
- The driveway expansion exceeds five square metres and uses non-permeable materials that do not allow water to run into a permeable area like a lawn or flower bed
- Widening the driveway involves replacing lawn or other vegetation areas with hardstanding
- You require a dropped kerb/crossover to access your widened driveway
Additional considerations: You need to consider utility assets such as drains, telecoms boxes, lamp posts, bus stops and such like when planning to widen your driveway.
For Dorset homeowners unsure about their specific situation, it’s best to consult with MA Hart Asphalt & Macadam Ltd and check with your local council before beginning work.
What are the rules for driveways in the UK?
UK driveway regulations primarily focus on drainage, safety, and maintaining the local environment. Here are the key rules:
Planning Permission Requirements:
- If the surface to be covered is more than five square metres, planning permission will be needed for laying traditional, impermeable driveways that do not provide for the water to run to a permeable area
- You will not need planning permission if a new or replacement driveway of any size uses permeable surfacing which allows water to drain through, such as gravel, permeable concrete block paving or porous asphalt
Drainage Regulations:
- Impermeable materials such as concrete, asphalt, porcelain paving slabs, ceramic tiles, vitrified paving flags and some natural stone like granite or slate pavers require planning permission for areas over 5m²
- These regulations aim to manage rainwater run-off and reduce flooding risks
Access Requirements:
- A dropped kerb is required if you wish to drive over a pavement onto your property – it is illegal to do so without one
- Any changes to the driveway’s access point, such as creating a new entrance or exit onto a public road or highway, will typically require planning permission
Special Designations:
- In conservation areas, areas of outstanding natural beauty, or properties with listed building status, there may be stricter planning regulations in place
Other Considerations:
- Work such as fences, walls and gates or a dropped kerb may require separate planning permission
- Local councils may have additional specific requirements for your area
Always consult with your local Dorset council and work with experienced contractors like MA Hart Asphalt & Macadam Ltd to ensure full compliance.
Is it illegal to park in front of your own driveway in the UK?
Parking in front of one’s own driveway is legal in the UK, but there are important caveats and considerations.
The law on parking in front of your own driveway:
- You are permitted to park in front of your own driveway
- It is legal to park on a dropped kerb in front of your own driveway as long as it does not block the entrance
- You do not need to notify your local council if you wish to park there
Important restrictions:
- There are legal implications if you obstruct the pavement or cause safety concerns for pedestrians
- Parking on pavements is generally illegal (except where specifically permitted by signage)
- Parking on a pavement is illegal in most parts of the UK, including London
- If there are existing parking restrictions (such as double yellow lines), these still apply
Blocking others’ access:
- According to the Highway Code, it’s an offence to park across driveways, and it’s illegal to park over dropped kerbs
- If a vehicle is parked on a dropped kerb, local councils can issue penalty charge notices
Practical considerations:
- Whilst it may be legal, convenience and accessibility must be balanced with potential obstruction and inconvenience to others.
Note: If you do not have a dropped kerb in front of your driveway, it’s important to have one installed. It’s illegal to access a driveway if the kerb is not dropped as it counts as a footpath.