Life of tarmac driveway - How long would a tarmac driveway last?

[Colin James]

I am joint owner of a 300+ squ m driveway. It was laid over twenty-five years ago. It has standing water, deep ruts, loose whin setts forming an original gutter,loose surface and so on. The joint owner claims to have a report saying that the driveway "fulfills the functions of a driveway" and so does not need maintenance.( I have not seen this yet)
Does anyone know where I can read up on what is the expected life of a normal useage driveway?
I am getting a building surveyor to do a report because I expect to end up in the local court but I would like to get as much information as possible.

[Tony McC]

There is no standard for the service life of a driveway: there are so many variables that it would be impossible to give a meaningful value. However, most bitmac is generally assumed to be 'satisfactory' for 20 years.

A statement that an area 'fulfils the functions of a driveway' is completely meaningless: any hardstanding would meet that requirement, but is it safe, serviceable and attractive? You'd probably need to argue that the driveway in its current condition is dangerous and/or detracts from the value of your property.

[lutonlagerlout]

300 m is going to cost a few quid, whatever you decide to do

try and sort it out with the neighbour amicably

court could ruin both of you,mentally and financially

LLL

[Dave_L]

Agree with above - but if your neighbour hasn't got the money to carry out such works (It could well run to £3500 each) then what's the point in going to court??

[Colin James]

Thank you for your replies.
My neighbour' s solution has been to buy a large 4X4 with a high wheelbase, so money is not the problem. His solicitor wrote to me last year saying the driveway was in a "dangerous condition". He has changed solicitors since then and so has his opinion of the driveway.
As to why continue?, that really is obvious. This is my home. Within reason I should be able to enjoy it without dancing around someone's problems. I pay my share of the roof and guttering repairs without question and have already paid out nearly £2000 in other joint repairs which he refused to do.
Colin.

[Tony McC]

That's the beauty of solicitors: if you shop around, you'll soon find one that tells you what you want to hear.