A utility company has had to dig up part of our drive

SMS60

We have a tarmac drive, that is in good condition, but has obviously been down for some years. 
We moved in 7 years ago and it was in situ then.
We have recently had some essential gas works along our road and this involved cutting a patch of tarmac out of our drive.
They have refilled the patch with black tarmac, but due to the wear on the existing tarmac, the contrast is quite stark.
The company are saying, they only need to fill with like for like, but in my opinion, they have completely ruined the ‘look’ of the drive.
Would anyone know how we stand on this issue?

Hasbeen

SMS60 said:

We have a tarmac drive, that is in good condition, but has obviously been down for some years. 
We moved in 7 years ago and it was in situ then.
We have recently had some essential gas works along our road and this involved cutting a patch of tarmac out of our drive.
They have refilled the patch with black tarmac, but due to the wear on the existing tarmac, the contrast is quite stark.
The company are saying, they only need to fill with like for like, but in my opinion, they have completely ruined the ‘look’ of the drive.
Would anyone know how we stand on this issue?

They would not have to do betterment on your drive but you can as below?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everbuild-TARR5-Tarmac-Restorer-Black/dp/B00LXLZLJK

EssexExile

It's a tarmac drive, they are very utilitarian but not known for their good looks. It really doesn't matter.
I don't get this current idea that drives have to look pristine. They get driven on, walked on, things dragged across them, things dropped on them, stuff split on them, roots growing under them, rain snow hail and sleet drop on them and green stuff grows on them. But if you are like my neighbour Joe who paints his drive every year (and the footpath in front of his property) then Hasbeen's idea is for you. Personally I'd let it weather for a while.

Homer_home

SMS60 said:

We have a tarmac drive, that is in good condition, but has obviously been down for some years. 
We moved in 7 years ago and it was in situ then.
We have recently had some essential gas works along our road and this involved cutting a patch of tarmac out of our drive.
They have refilled the patch with black tarmac, but due to the wear on the existing tarmac, the contrast is quite stark.
The company are saying, they only need to fill with like for like, but in my opinion, they have completely ruined the ‘look’ of the drive.
Would anyone know how we stand on this issue?

And this is a perfect reason why tarmac is a really bad idea for a drive