Pavements in Westminster

[Chrisgr31]

I hae noticed recently that a lot of pavements in Westminster appear to be made of tar rather than tarmacadam. ie they appear to have no grit/stone in them. Anyone know why?

[tubbystu]

Because it covers the gold that the city is truly paved in better than macadam

But seriously, where are they tar or even tarmacadam ? Most are york stone flags or concrete paving slab surely.

[Chrisgr31]

Where they aren't stone or slab! Most of the pavements between my office in Great Titchfield St and Charing Cross which arent stone appear to be tar rather than tarmac

[tubbystu]

I just hadn't noticed, and I do spend time on the hoof all over the West End. I must pay more attention.

[Chrisgr31]

I only noticed because I have recently seen them relaying a couple of pavements. Even outside one of the exits from Oxford Circus tube station the pavement is tar!

However now the topic has been moved here from The Lounge there is no hope of an answer!

[hoyin]

Don't know about your specific case but we couldn't use tarmac in some of the places we wanted to due to bsaements below and not being able to get the required depth to lay it so they lay a mastic asphalt.

[Chrisgr31]

Now I guess that makes sense. Thank you.