What are the traffic categories for permeable paving?

The traffic categories for permeable paving are covered by the British Standard, BS 7533-13 ‘Pavements constructed with clay, natural stone or concrete pavers – Guide for the design of permeable pavements constructed with concrete blocks and flags, natural stone slabs and setts and clay pavers’. 

The standard covers areas that are used only by pedestrians through to roads with high volumes of commercial vehicles. 

The BS 7533-13:2009 six loading categories and their typical applications are:  

Can a permeable paving system be used for all traffic categories? 

Permeable paving systems, in the form of permeable paving blocks, can be used to meet the requirements of all six of the traffic categories.  

The paving blocks allow rainwater to filter through the joints into the sub-base aggregate below rather than running off the surface straight into the drainage system. The specification of the sub-base layer can be tailored to meet the loading requirements of each traffic category.  

Standard details are available that show the required build-up of the thickness of each layer of aggregate below the permeable block paving that will provide the support needed. They also show the impermeable membrane, and any outflow pipes required to enable the permeable paving detail to attenuate, store, and convey the water passing through its surface. 

​​​Example of standard detail from loading category B (infiltration design) 

What benefits can permeable paving blocks bring other than meeting traffic categories? 

Permeable paving blocks are a robust way to meet the loading requirements of all traffic categories and can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of projects in several ways. 

SuDS compliance 

As permeable paving details can be used across all traffic categories it means that all surfaces, from pedestrian areas right through to heavily trafficked roads can help to control flood risk and helps ensure that hard landscaping aligns with the requirements for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) compliance. 

Project aesthetics 

Permeable paving is available in different finishes. For example, Hydropave Fusion is permeable block paving with natural aggregates to give a granite appearance in a range of long-lasting colours.  

Another option is Hydropave Tegula, permeable block paving manufactured to create an aged, antique appearance. Whatever the style and feel you are creating, there are permeable paving blocks that can complement your hard landscaping palette. 

Functionality  

For surfaces where shopping trolleys, prams, and other small-wheeled traffic are used, permeable paving with a smooth surface is an ideal choice to make the space more user friendly. In busy pedestrian areas, non-slip permeable paving has a hard-wearing textured surface to provide a long term robust surface in areas of heavy footfall.  

Where can I learn more about permeable paving blocks and traffic categories? 

Tobermore has extensive experience in supplying permeable paving to a variety of projects across the public realm, commercial and residential sectors from pedestrian zones right up to the most heavily trafficked adopted roads. 

Craig McBride, Tobermore’s Technical and Product Training Manager, comments:

“We have a wide range of permeable paving blocks that can provide attractive, robust and hard-wearing solutions for anyone looking to incorporate water management on their projects. Regardless of the types of traffic categories required, we have products that will fit the bill.”   

If you would like to learn more about how permeable paving can work as a SuDS solution across all traffic categories, we have a dedicated CPD available that you can request to be delivered in person or online.