After choosing the right car park surface for your project, the next step is to make sure you fully understand the legal and regulatory standards for car parks in England. Only then can your project truly get underway! This blog will break down the standards for car park surfacing, so you can ensure your space is compliant and will avoid any potential liabilities.

Looking for a contractor to surface your car park and add bay markings? Our expert team at A&MT uses specialist painting materials to create professional line markings and asphalt signage, so you can design a space that’s safe for drivers and pedestrians alike.

What are the British standards for car parks?

The regulatory standards for car parks in Britain are key to keeping these spaces safe for public and private use. Adhering to the following guidance when adding bay markings and signage to your car park surfacing ensures your space is legally compliant – and will function as smoothly as it can.

Off-street bays

The UK uses a standard parking space size of 2.4m by 4.8m for regular road vehicles in public areas. There is also a six-metre space for manoeuvring. However, there are no strict regulations on the size of standard car park markings. As long as the space provides enough room for cars to move in and out easily, it’s considered acceptable.

On-street bays

On-street parking spaces can be a bit chaotic, as they may or may not be clearly marked. In the updated Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions, it’s recommended that on-street parking spaces have a minimum width of 1.8m, but this isn’t mandatory and there is no specified length. Instead, the size and availability of on-street parking spaces are determined by the traffic authorities.

Disabled and temporary bays

Disabled parking bays are the only ones that need to meet specific size requirements. They must be at least 6.6m long and 2.7m wide. If they are placed in the centre of the road, they should be 3m wide apart. Expert car park surfacing contractors, like A&MT, have industry knowledge on how to correctly mark disabled parking spaces for on-street parking.

Bay parking for larger vehicles

To make room for bigger vehicles like delivery trucks, removal vans and transport vehicles, it’s important to clearly mark out the bays. If a large vehicle needs space but there’s none available or it’s not officially designated, traffic authorities can decide to temporarily allocate a spot for the vehicle to carry out its tasks.

Bay parking for motorbikes

On-street motorcycle parking bays are marked similarly to car parking bays. They are usually between 1800 to 2700 mm deep (length may vary) and motorcycles are parked perpendicular to the curb instead of parallel. To identify these spaces, the words “MOTORCYCLES ONLY” should be displayed on the surface of the bay.

Directional signage

As well as clearly marking the bays in your car park, providing directional signage is another requirement included in British regulatory requirements. All signs in your parking facility must be easily seen and used to guide, alert or give instructions to drivers. Some examples of signs may include indicating the entrance and exit routes, showing the direction of one-way lanes and indicating the locations of payment stations and assistance points.

Ensure your car park is compliant with A&MT

As expert road surfacing contractors who have been in the business for almost 50 years, our team can help you design a car park that complies with regulatory standards in Britain. As well as adding bay markings, we can also place directional signage on the surface of your car park and install other safety features like CCTV ducting and posts, among other things.

 

 

 

Permeable surfaces are a great choice for any car park surfacing project. These surfaces enable rainwater to seep through, replenishing groundwater and lessening the strain on drainage systems, while also preventing surface runoff. This blog will explore the two most popular permeable surfaces for car parks and determine whether a permeable car park surface is necessary for your space.

Two most popular permeable surfaces for car parks

Gravel Surfacing

Known for being environmentally friendly, gravel surfacing is a great surface choice for those looking to promote sustainable urban development within their construction project. This surface material is made up of loose gravel which allows rainwater to effectively drain through. When laid by experienced car park surfacing contractors, gravel car parks can be integrated into a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS), where rainwater is absorbed into the ground naturally.

While permeability is the main benefit of gravel car parks, this surface material is also incredibly versatile. Gravel car parks are suitable for a range of different vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, coaches and even lorries. This material also has a low curing time and is available in different colours, so you can design a car parking space that is both environmentally conscious and aesthetically pleasing.

Resin-Bound Surfacing

Another popular permeable surface for car parks is resin-bound surfacing. Formulated with a mixture of aggregate stones and resin, this material is favoured for its naturally draining qualities which prevents the pooling of water – even in the stormiest of weathers. Expert road surfacing contractors, like A&MT, can also add anti-slip functionality to resin surfacing so you can increase the safety of your car park for vehicles and drivers alike.

On top of their permeability, resin-bound car parks are also extremely hard-wearing and weed-resistant. Compared to gravel surfacing, resin surfacing needs less maintenance and will last longer without needing to be relaid; we estimate that resin-bound car parks have a lifespan of over 20 years. This permeable car park surface also comes in dozens of colours and edging options, so can be customised to suit each individual project and construction space.

Do You Need a Permeable Surface for Your Car Park?

Deciding whether or not a permeable surface is necessary for your car park is an important question for anyone looking to construct a parking area. In short, no – permeable car park surfaces aren’t a requirement for all car parks. In fact, many parking areas around the UK are made from impermeable surface materials like tarmac, asphalt and concrete.

That being said, choosing a non-porous material for your car park means you’ll have to set up a proper drainage system to stop your space from flooding. This will make your project more costly and will require more maintenance in the future.

Choose A&MT For all Your Car Park Surfacing Needs

If you want to reap the benefits of a permeable car park surface, the specialists at A&MT are on hand to turn your project dreams into reality. We’ve been helping some of the UK’s largest companies design great car parks for over 40 years, and are specialists in laying the most popular car park surfaces, including gravel and resin-bound surfacing.

If you’re leaning towards a non-porous surface material like asphalt, concrete or tarmac, we can also install the right drainage system into your car park to make it suitable for parking even in torrential rain.

The environmental impact is an important consideration when deciding which car park surfacing material will best suit your project. Since cars and vehicles already contribute to environmental degradation, creating a more sustainable car park space is a good way to begin offsetting these effects. This blog will highlight the impact on the environment of some of the most popular car park surfacing materials: tarmac, asphalt, gravel, resin-bound, and concrete.

Tarmac

While tarmac has traditionally been considered a surfacing material with negative environmental connotations, many tarmac manufacturers and tarmac surfacing contractors are working hard to adopt new sustainable practices. This might mean using recycled materials in tarmac production, introducing environmentally friendly production processes, and finding new ways to minimise waste and emissions.

Unfortunately, tarmac surfaces are impervious and unable to absorb water. This means that without a vertical flow to an efficient drainage system, run-off carrying chemicals, pollutants, and oils can flow into nearby bodies of water and cause water pollution.

If you’re using tarmac in your next car park surfacing project, it’s important to consider a proper drainage solution. Our team experts at A&MT can help with that.

Asphalt

Asphalt is environmentally friendly in that it can be recycled and used again as many times as you like. This, in turn, greatly reduces your environmental footprint. However, similar to tarmac, asphalt is impermeable, so we recommended designing an efficient drainage system to reduce the risk of flooding and disrupting any local wildlife habitats.

Gravel

Gravel is one of the most eco-friendly materials for car park surfacing. The porous nature of gravel creates a perfect surface for efficient drainage, enabling rainwater to infiltrate the sub-base. Naturally, this characteristic has a great environmental impact, as the organic infiltration of rainwater not only promotes sustainable urban development but also reduces the risk of flooding.

Resin-bound

Another permeable material with positive environmental benefits is resin-bound gravel. This car park surfacing material is SUDS compliant, so it can significantly reduce the risk of flooding. Similar to traditional gravel, resin-bound surfaces can reduce stormwater run-off that can cause erosion and water pollution and can help recharge groundwater by moderating temperature extremes and filtering harmful surface pollutants.

Concrete

Concrete is arguably the surfacing material that has the most harmful impact on the environment. The hard surface of concrete enables negative stormwater run-off, while cement production releases a large amount of CO2 into the atmosphere. Non-renewable energy resources like coal and natural gases are also used in the manufacturing of concrete. If you’re looking for environmentally friendly material for your new car park surfacing project, we would recommend looking outside of concrete.

Not sure which surfacing material is the right option?

A&MT are professional groundworks contractors with expertise in laying tarmac, asphalt, drainage solutions, and much more. If we don’t think the material you’ve suggested for your car park surfacing project will be the best fit, our team of experts will suggest a more suitable alternative for the work.

When it comes to designing a car park, one of the crucial questions is, how much space do you need for a car park? The space required for a car park can vary depending on various factors, such as the size of the vehicles, the number of cars and the layout of the parking area.

Calculating the Ideal Size

To determine the ideal space needed for a car park, it is essential to take into account the dimensions of the standard parking space. A typical off-street parking space/bay for a single car is 2.4 metres wide by 4.8 metres long. The space for manoeuvring (roadways) between bays is six metres. However, for larger vehicles such as vans or SUVs, a wider and longer space may be required to ensure ease of parking and manoeuvrability.

Considering Traffic Flow

Besides the size of individual parking spaces, it is also important to factor in the space needed for aisles and driving lanes within the car park.

Adequate space for vehicles to move in and out of parking spaces safely and efficiently is essential to avoid congestion and ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

Parking Space for People with Disabilities

It’s important to allocate designated parking spaces for people with disabilities, which are wider than standard parking spaces to accommodate wheelchair access and provide easier entry and exit for those with mobility challenges. These spaces should be conveniently located near entrances and amenities for added accessibility.

In the UK, Government guidelines (Inclusive Mobility published by Department for Transport) recommend that 6% of parking should be allocated to disabled people. You should also clearly identify these spaces for disabled motorists, with special markings and signage.

Parking spaces for disabled motorists should be 3.6 metres in width, where the excess space over a standard bay (1.2 metres) is yellow hatched to enable sufficient access for wheelchair users.

Maximising Space Efficiency

To make the most of the available space in a car park, consider using compact car spaces, angled parking, or stacked parking systems where possible.

By optimising the layout and design of the car park, you can increase the capacity and efficiency of the parking area while providing a convenient experience for drivers.

The amount of space needed for a car park depends on various factors, such as the size of vehicles, traffic flow considerations, and accessibility requirements.

By carefully planning and designing the layout of a car park to meet these needs, you can create a functional and user-friendly parking space that caters to the needs of drivers and enhances the overall experience of visitors.

Learn more about the significance of car parking designs by getting a quote with our car park surfacing contractors today!

Designing a car park might seem like a straightforward task, but in reality, it requires careful planning and consideration.

A well-designed car park not only provides convenient parking for visitors but also enhances the overall functionality and aesthetics of a building.

By understanding the importance of car park design, you can ensure that your project meets the needs of both drivers and property owners.

How to Design a Car Park?

Initial planning and site assessment

The first step in designing a car park is to conduct a thorough site assessment. This involves evaluating the size and layout of the site, as well as identifying any environmental or logistical constraints.

By gathering this information upfront, you can develop a design that maximises available space and minimises potential disruptions during construction.

Developing a functional layout

Once you have a clear understanding of the site requirements, it’s time to develop a functional layout for the car park. This involves determining the number of parking spaces needed, as well as designing efficient traffic flow patterns and car park line marking.

By weighing factors such as entry and exit points, signage placement, and pedestrian pathways, you can create a user-friendly parking experience for drivers.

Consider drainage in the area

When planning the layout of a car park, effective drainage is key. Without proper drainage, rainwater will accumulate in pools across the surface. This creates hazardous puddles that can lead to slips, falls, and damage to vehicles.

By incorporating features such as sloped pavement, drainage channels, and storm drains, designers can ensure rainwater and snowmelt drain away quickly and safely.

Considering drainage early in the design process allows for a car park that is safe and functional in all conditions.

Implementing sustainable design practices

Incorporating sustainable design practices into your car park project not only benefits the environment but also enhances the long-term viability of the facility.

From using permeable paving materials to installing energy-efficient lighting, there are numerous ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your parking structure.

By prioritising sustainability, you can create a car park that aligns with modern environmental standards.

Ensuring compliance with regulations

Designing a car park also involves ensuring compliance with local regulations and building codes.

The design process must address various legal considerations, from accessibility requirements to stormwater management guidelines.

By working with experienced professionals and staying up-to-date on regulatory changes, you can avoid the costly delays and penalties associated with non-compliance.

Do car parks need foundations?

Foundations provide a stable base and help prevent settling or shifting of the ground underneath. For large car parks made of concrete or asphalt, foundations are usually recommended. They create a solid platform that can withstand the weight of vehicles driving over it repeatedly.

Smaller gravel car parks may not require foundations, as the gravel itself creates a permeable, shifting base.

Overall, foundations for car parks help ensure safety and durability over time. Their needs depend on factors like the size of the car park and the materials used in its construction. Proper site preparation and foundations can extend the usable lifespan of any car park.

Conclusion

Designing a car park is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning, creativity, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a functional and sustainable parking facility that meets the needs of both drivers and property owners.

Remember, a well-designed car park not only enhances the overall user experience but also contributes to the success of your building project.

If you need further guidance or information about how to design or create a car park, ‌get in touch with one of our car park surfacing contractors to learn more!

One of the first steps in designing a car park is choosing what type of surface you want to lay. The various different surface materials come with their own set of pros and cons, and suit some car park projects better than others.

Whether you’re comparing car park surface asphalt vs concrete, or wondering just how much maintenance a resin-bound car park requires, we’ve created a handy table explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different surface materials – as well as the best use cases for each type.

	Tarmac	Asphalt	Resin Bound	Gravel	Concrete
Initial price	Mid	Mid	Mid	Low	High
Maintenance Level	Mid	Low	Low	High	Low
Curing time	Mid	Low	Low	Low	High
Different colours available?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Permeable?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

Tarmac

Tarmac is a durable and long-lasting car park surface material that looks similar to asphalt. Our tarmac surfacing contractors at A&MT can supply the material in a range of colours – great if you’re designing a car park with a particular colour scheme.

What’s tarmac best for?

We recommend using tarmac for larger open car parking spaces where it’s less likely to crack.

Asphalt

With fewer external materials than tarmac, asphalt will last for a long time and is infamous for its great durability. A knowledgeable asphalt contractor will also explain how asphalt is very resistant to weeds.

What’s asphalt best for?

We recommend choosing asphalt surfacing if your car park is frequented by heavyweight vehicles or attracts high traffic.

Resin Bound

Resin bound is the most versatile surface for car parks. Its high durability and aesthetically pleasing qualities mean that resin-bound car parks have recently skyrocketed in popularity. It’s a great material for blending in with the surrounding environment – or designing something unique and colourful.

What’s resin bound best for?

The many benefits of resin bound make it a great surface choice for the majority of car park designs.

Gravel

Cheap and quick to lay, gravel is another popular choice for car parks – largely due to its affordability. It’s also an easy material to blend in with the surrounding environment.

What’s gravel best for?

We think gravel works best for car parks without too much traffic, since busy sites will likely need to be relayed frequently.

Concrete

Concrete is extremely hard-wearing, will last for a long time, and barely needs any upkeep. This surface can also withstand hot and cold temperatures, and a good contractor can easily add line markings for your car park to make designated pedestrian zones and individual parking bays.

What’s concrete best for?

The impermeable quality of concrete means we recommend the material for sites that are either undercover or sheltered from the elements.

Once you’ve chosen which surface material you want for your car park, the next step is choosing the right contractor. At A&MT, we’ve got over 40 years of experience as car park surfacing contractors, helping some of the UK’s largest companies to design flawless car parks like Tesco, McDonald’s, and Sainsbury’s.

There are a number of key elements to consider when planning and building a car park. What’s the best surface material for car parks? How can you avoid drainage issues? How do you mark out car park spaces? Whatever reason you’re considering improving your car park, don’t overlook the following design recommendations.

Choosing the best surface for your car park

Every car park is unique in its configuration, capacity, and purpose. That’s why you should choose a car park surface that best reflects what you want your space to be used for.

Gravel surfacing

Gravel is one of the most affordable car park surfaces. It’s cheap and quick to lay, and looks good on the eye – especially if you want it to blend in with the surrounding environment.

One of the drawbacks of gravel car parks is that they require maintenance to keep them looking their best. They’re also not weed-resistant and after a while, you’ll likely need to get the gravel relayed if you’ve got a particularly busy site.

Concrete surfacing

For a car park surface that doesn’t need a lot of upkeep, look no further than concrete; as car park surfaces go, it’s extremely hard wearing and can last for a long time. Concrete surfacing can also withstand both hot and cold temperatures, and can be easily line-marked to create designated pedestrian zones and individual parking bays.

Disadvantages of concrete surfacing include higher expense, longer setting time, and an impermeable quality which can pose a problem for drainage.

Resin bound surfacing

Versatility-wise, you don’t get much better than resin bound surfacing. This surface is both highly durable and aesthetically pleasing; the wide range of colours creates an exceptionally smooth car park surface that can either be sympathetic to the surrounding environment – or colourful and unique.

Negatives of this surfacing usually centre around a costly laying job and damage repair process, and elevated upkeep when it comes to maintaining resin bound spaces.

Asphalt surfacing

Asphalt surfacing is a reliable choice for high-traffic areas or car parks frequented by heavyweight vehicles. It contains fewer external materials than tarmac so is even more durable, and is well-known for its long lifespan and durability. Any good asphalt contractor will also tell you it’s very resistant to weeds.

A big drawback of asphalt surfacing is its tendency to soften in extreme heat – sometimes even causing it to shrink.

Tarmac surfacing

There are a few reasons tarmac is a popular surfacing material for car parks. It’s got the durability and long-lasting nature of asphalt, but is less likely to crack in larger open areas. Tarmac surfacing contractors can also supply the material in a few different colours so it’s a great choice if you’re tying your car park into a particular theme. That being said, tarmac does require some occasional maintenance here and there – weeds usually find their way through the tarmac surface of car parks – but generally, it’s a pretty low-stress option when designing your car park space.

Other car park design recommendations

There are also some other important design elements to consider when planning and building a car park.

Avoiding drainage issues

Having a good drainage system is essential for making sure your car park doesn’t get waterlogged and withstands the test of time – and the test of the British weather. As specialist drainage designers, A&MT Surfacing Contractors can install or repair all forms of gully drainage systems. We’ll also make sure your new car park surface is totally level when we lay it, so you can avoid further issues with drainage from uneven groundwork.

Creating bay markings

Marking car park lines is one of the most important parts of planning your space, however, there is a certain technique to maximising your capacity for parking spaces while still adhering to the latest safety standards – at A&MT Surfacing Contractors, we know just what to do. Our team knows the ins and outs of car park line marking and will work with you to establish your unique requirements and offer our most trusted professional advice. We can also remove and refresh old line marking paint if your space looks like it needs a little bit of TLC.

Why Choose A&MT?

We’ve been a trusted family business helping customers with their car park surfacing projects since 1976. Our no-quibble guarantee and efficient, flexible service are beaten only by the fact we’re available 24/7, seven days a week – including bank holidays. We’re also fully accredited by Street Works Certification (SWQR Operative and Monitoring) and City & Guilds, so you’re guaranteed to get high-quality professional results every time. Contact us today to discuss your project and get a quote.

Choosing the right contractor and company for car park surfacing work is just as important as choosing which car park surface you want them to lay. A bad contractor can lead to a subpar surfacing job and more expenses – not to mention a big waste of time and energy on both ends. There are a few questions you can ask to determine if a contractor is right for your car park surfacing project, which we’ve outlined below.

How many years of experience does the contractor have?

The more experience a company has, the more polished the results will be. A contractor that has been in business for years, like A&MT Contractors who have delivered high-quality surfacing and resurfacing for over half a century, will have had the chance to learn and acquire the best practices in the business – so you can benefit from all the tricks of the trade.

Does the contractor employ the right process?

It’s important to look for a contractor that’s known for handling projects professionally. This could mean not giving you a quotation without visiting the site, walking you through the process of what’s going to happen before commencing work, and of course, not going beyond the committed time frame. During the project, they should also clean as they go and take care not to damage anything surrounding the project site.

Do they understand the different car park surfaces?

Different car park surfaces have different demands when it comes to installation and maintenance. The right contractor will be able to explain which surfaces require more attention, and which can be left without too much upkeep. They’ll also be able to recommend the best car park surface for your site depending on the size of your site, and your traffic and footfall.

Do they advise on drainage issues?

Standing water can damage your car park surface in the long run and pose a hazard for pedestrians. Choosing a car park surfacing contractor that addresses any drainage issues like checking for blockages, or installing or repairing a gully drainage system will help your car park to stand the test of time – and any classic British downpours.

Do they offer repairs on cracks or forming potholes?

A good contractor will pick up on any cracks forming or potholes beginning to develop on the surface of your car park. Potholes can cause havoc with vehicles, so getting any necessary pothole repair for the space is essential to prevent damage. The right contractor will point you in the right direction and respond to pothole enquiries promptly.

Will their car park line marking maximise your capacity?

Line marking can be a tricky job, but not for an experienced contractor. You know you’re in good hands if they take the time to advise you on how you can use line marking to maximise your capacity for parking spaces, all while adhering to the latest safety standards. They should also help you repaint any existing markings that have faded over time.

Searching for the right contractor for your car park surfacing project? A&MT are here to help.

If you’re looking for a contractor that ticks all the boxes above, look no further than A&MT. Our experienced car park surfacing contractors can take care of everything from recommending surface materials, advising on drainage systems, effectively painting line markings, and of course, resurfacing your space. Get your free, no-obligation quote today.

First impressions matter, and your car park is often the first encounter your customers have with your establishment. It’s the gateway to your business and a reflection of your commitment to providing a high quality service or experience. In this blog, we’re exploring the advantages of car park resurfacing for both businesses and customers.

Benefits for your business and customers

Car park resurfacing can benefit businesses by improving their professional appearance, increasing safety, improving accessibility, and being cost-effective. It’s an essential grounds maintenance makeover that not only revitalises the appearance of your property but also your business prospects.

Professional appearance

A well-maintained car park reflects positively on a business and can make it look more professional. On the other hand, a car park with cracks, potholes and other imperfections can make a business look unprofessional and negatively impact its reputation. A presentable car park can make a business look more professional and trustworthy, which can positively impact customers’ experiences with the business.

Increased safety

Resurfacing a car park can eliminate hazards such as potholes, cracks and uneven surfaces. A well-maintained car park reduces the risk of accidents that could lead to injury or damage to customer vehicles. Smoother surfaces with clear markings and well-defined pedestrian pathways improve visibility and reduce slip and trip hazards, making your facility safer for everyone.

Improved accessibility

A well-maintained car park can make it easier for customers to access your facility, reducing the risk of losing out on visitors and potential revenue. While there are no hard and fast rules for car park line markings, inclusivity, accessibility and safety are considerations that will be appreciated by your customers, clients and employees.

Cost-effective

Resurfacing a car park can be a cost-effective solution compared to constantly repairing it. Proper maintenance can prevent the need for costly reconstruction, ultimately saving your business money in the long run.

Increased property value

A well-maintained car park can enhance the overall value of your property. It may make your location more appealing to potential investors or buyers, increasing your property’s value and providing a competitive edge on the commercial property market.

How often should car parks be resurfaced?

Car park resurfacing should be carried out at least every ten years. However, it’s good to take stock of the volume and severity of road surface issues and schedule resurfacing sooner if required. As for line markings, repainting by specialists every year is recommended.

Need car park resurfacing? Give the specialists at A&MT Contractors a call. We’ll discuss your requirements and make sure the work is completed to your satisfaction.