Are paved pavements better?

In the October edition of Highways Magazine (yes that’s a real publication), I read an opinion article lamenting the loss of modular pavement. Modular pavement is when we have nice stone slabs or bricks rather than tarmac.

Is it just me who thinks that paved walking spaces look nicer?

According to this columnist, paved stones last longer and can be taken up and put back down with ease. If looked after, they will outlast the black and featureless asphalt. Modular pavement also deals with tree roots easier as you can always reseat them with minimal fuss whilst the alternative just bumps up and breaks.

Also, they look nice.

However, because it is cheaper right now, many councils prefer to lay down the hot black stuff. This means trees (which I think make a road more lovely) are a no-go because tar-based surfaces don’t cope well with tree roots.

Would you prefer modular pavements with bricks or stone slabs or should our roads and walkways become the same uniform black?