Red tarmac driveways in South Glamorgan
Red tarmac driveways in South Glamorgan are priced from a site survey and an itemised specification, adjusted for Wales rates.

How much does a red tarmac driveway cost in South Glamorgan?
Rates in South Glamorgan follow Wales, about 5% below our UK midpoint.
| Item | Guide price (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Red tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base | £71–£109 per m² |
| Example: 30 m² drive | £2,350–£3,600 |
| Example: 50 m² drive | £3,550–£5,450 |
| Example: 80 m² drive | £5,700–£8,750 |
Towns we cover in South Glamorgan
Postcode areas: CF.
What is included?
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
- Falls and drainage set as for any new drive
Rules in South Glamorgan
In Wales, a new hard surface in front of a house is permitted development only if it is porous or drains to a permeable area within the property; repairing or replacing up to 5 m² of existing hardstanding is allowed without meeting that condition. Separately, since January 2019, construction covering 100 m² or more that affects drainage generally needs approval from the council's SuDS Approving Body (SAB) before work starts, even where planning permission is not needed. Larger drives, shared surfaces and car parks often reach that threshold. Any new or widened crossing over the pavement needs approval from the council as highway authority.
How it is built
Red tarmac driveways in South Glamorgan: questions
How much does a red tarmac driveway cost in South Glamorgan?
As a 2026 guide, about £71–£109 per m² inc VAT in South Glamorgan. The survey confirms a fixed price.
Which towns in South Glamorgan do you cover?
Cardiff, Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major, Llandaff, Dinas Powys.
How long does a red tarmac driveway take?
Usually 2–4 working days.
Can red tarmac be laid over my old drive?
If the existing base is sound, a red surface course can go on as an overlay. Most red drives we price are full builds because the colour shows up an uneven base.
Other services in South Glamorgan
Get a written tarmac quote
Send a postcode and a rough size and we'll arrange a survey. Every quote lists the layers, edging, drainage and VAT.
- Surface courseDEPTH + MIX
- Binder courseDEPTH + MIX
- Sub-baseDEPTH + MATERIAL
- Edges, drainage, VATITEMISED