Red tarmac driveways in Southampton

What does a red tarmac driveway cost in Southampton?

Guide prices below are for Southampton, adjusted for the South East, where surfacing rates run about 10% above our UK midpoint.

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Red tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base	£82–£127 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£2,700–£4,150
Example: 50 m² drive	£4,100–£6,350
Example: 80 m² drive	£6,600–£10,100

As a 2026 guide in Southampton, red tarmac driveway work runs at about £82–£127 per m² including VAT, so a 80 m² drive is roughly £6,600–£10,100. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

What the price covers

Red tarmac is ordinary asphalt with a red pigment, and often red aggregate, in the surface course, laid on the same sub-base and binder course as a black tarmac drive.

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
Colour sample discussed before ordering

Planning and kerb rules for Southampton

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).

Covering Southampton

Survey cover and pricing for Southampton. As one of the larger towns in Hampshire, Southampton sees regular survey visits.

Postcodes: SO14, SO15, SO17, SO19, SO18, SO16
Area: Hampshire
Nearest towns: Hythe (3 miles), Totton (4 miles), Hedge End (5 miles), Eastleigh (5 miles)
Pricing: South East, about 10% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

Nearby, we work in Hythe, Totton, Hedge End, Eastleigh, Bishopstoke.

Southampton: common questions

Do you work in my part of Southampton?

We cover Southampton including SO14, SO15, SO17, SO19, SO18, SO16, and nearby Hythe, Totton, Hedge End.

Will someone visit before I get a fixed price in Southampton?

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.

Are there planning or highway rules in Southampton?

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).

What is the price of a red tarmac driveway in Southampton?

As a 2026 guide in Southampton, red tarmac driveway work runs at about £82–£127 per m² including VAT, so a 80 m² drive is roughly £6,600–£10,100. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

Other work in Southampton

Ready for a price in Southampton? Use the guide price tool or send the form, and we'll arrange a visit.