Red tarmac driveways in Exeter

What does a red tarmac driveway cost in Exeter?

These Exeter guide prices reflect rates in the South West, about 3% above our UK midpoint.

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Red tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base	£77–£118 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£2,550–£3,900
Example: 50 m² drive	£3,850–£5,900
Example: 80 m² drive	£6,200–£9,500

As a 2026 guide in Exeter, red tarmac driveway work runs at about £77–£118 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £3,850–£5,900. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

Exeter: the local details

Exeter at a glance. As one of the larger towns in Devon, Exeter sees regular survey visits.

Postcodes: EX4, EX2, EX1, EX3, EX6, EX5
Area: Devon
Nearest towns: Exmouth (9 miles), Tiverton (12 miles), Newton Abbot (14 miles), Torquay (18 miles)
Pricing: South West, about 3% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

We also cover nearby Exmouth, Tiverton, Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton.

What is included in a red tarmac driveway?

Pigmented red asphalt on the same full build, often framed with a charcoal block border.

Full dig-out and MOT Type 1 sub-base, about 150 mm
Black AC 20 binder course, about 50–60 mm
Red pigmented surface course, about 20–30 mm
Contrasting block or kerb border as edge restraint
Falls and drainage set as for any new drive

The build-up we price

Do I need permission in Exeter?

In England, a new hard surface over 5 m² in front of a house needs planning permission unless it is porous or drains to a lawn, border or soakaway within the property. A vehicle crossing over the footway is a separate approval, from the highway authority (the county or unitary council).

Your questions answered

What approvals apply in Exeter?

In England, a new hard surface over 5 m² in front of a house needs planning permission unless it is porous or drains to a lawn, border or soakaway within the property. Dropped kerbs are approved by the highway authority (the county or unitary council).

How much does a red tarmac driveway cost in Exeter?

As a 2026 guide in Exeter, red tarmac driveway work runs at about £77–£118 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £3,850–£5,900. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

Is the survey in Exeter free?

Yes for new surfacing such as drives, paths, private roads and car parks. Small repairs are often priced from photos; if a visit is needed for a repair-only job, we tell you any charge first.

Which Exeter postcodes do you cover?

We cover Exeter including EX4, EX2, EX1, EX3, EX6, EX5, and nearby Exmouth, Tiverton, Newton Abbot.

More we do in Exeter

Send us a postcode, a rough size and a photo or two, and we'll come back with survey dates for Exeter.