Hire Ground Protection Mats

From £4 per mat (per week). Contact us for best prices

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GroundTuff® ground protection mats create a firm, temporary surface on ground that would otherwise rut, sink or get damaged, from grass and mud to soft ground and finished surfaces. They spread the weight of people, vehicles and plant over a wider area, so work can carry on through wet weather and the ground underneath is protected. Laid as trackway, temporary roadways or walkways, they keep sites, events and access routes safe and moving.

Plastic road plates can be used for:

Temporary roadways, trackway and site access routes
Car parks and overflow parking
Pedestrian walkways and wheelchair routes
Event trackway for festivals, markets and outdoor stages
Lawn, sports pitch and landscape protection
Protecting kerbs, tarmac and block paving

Steel road plates are built to bridge open trenches and excavations, while plastic road plates are built to protect the ground itself, and some sites might require both. Get in touch to discuss your ground protection needs.

HIRE GROUND PROTECTION MATS

In Stock

Features & Specifications

GroundTuff mats are light enough to carry and lay by hand, so your team can put down trackway, a walkway or an access road in minutes and lift it again when the work moves on. The mats connect together, so the same system covers anything from a single path to a full working area.

Each mat spreads the load of people, vehicles and plant across the ground beneath it, protecting grass, kerbs, tarmac and block paving. Chequer plate and raised surface patterns give grip in wet and muddy conditions, and the mats are waterproof and maintenance-free.

Choosing the right mat comes down to the load and who will be using it. Lighter mats suit pedestrian routes, wheelchair access and events, while the higher-rated mats take heavier vehicles and plant.

We have four different GroundTuff mats to hire, rated from 20 to 100 tonnes*. Download our data sheets for full specifications.

Our team at Maltaward is happy to advise which road plate suits your ground conditions and loads. Simply get in touch, and we’ll make sure you get the right specification.

Product Dimensions

The standard GroundTuff mat is made from 100% recycled PVC with a raised square pattern on its top face. At 800 x 1200mm and 22kg it is compact and easy to carry, and the mats interlock to join. Optional bevel edges (sold separately) give a smooth ramped finish for trolleys and pedestrians. It is available in black or white; the white mat is not chemically resistant.

GroundTuff

Code

GP3248BL / GP3248WH

Size (mm)

800 x 1200

Thickness

22mm

Weight

22kg

Material

100% recycled PVC

Load capacity*

Up to 20 tonnes

Surface

Raised square pattern

Per stillage

–

GroundTuff Urban

Code

GP4396BL-8

Size (mm)

1100 x 2400

Thickness

8mm

Weight

24kg

Material

100% recyclable HDPE

Load capacity*

Up to 35 tonnes

Surface

4-bar chequer / smooth

Per stillage

GroundTuff PRO

Code

GP4896BL

Size (mm)

1200 x 2400

Thickness

12.7mm

Weight

37.5kg

Material

100% recyclable HDPE

Load capacity*

Up to 60 tonnes

Surface

4-bar / 1-bar chequer

Per stillage

GroundTuff Enviro

Code

GP4896BL-15

Size (mm)

1230 x 2430

Thickness

15mm

Weight

44kg

Material

95% recycled PVC

Load capacity*

Up to 100 tonnes

Surface

6-bar chequer, both sides

Per stillage

Handling Details

Laying & Handling GroundTuff Trackway

GroundTuff mats protect ground; they are not designed to span open excavations. For bridging trenches, use our steel road plates.

Ground preparation. The ground beneath the matting must be structurally sound and free from significant depressions, such as potholes, as these can cause the mats to crack or become damaged. Stated load capacities depend on ground conditions and load characteristics, so check soft or saturated ground before running heavy plant across it.

Lifting. GroundTuff mats (800 x 1200mm, 22kg) can be carried and placed by one person. Urban (24kg), PRO (37.5kg) and Enviro (44kg) are full-size 2400mm mats with integrated hand holes, so lift them with two people. Full stillages are moved by forklift.

Connecting. To build a run of trackway, lay mats edge to edge and line up the pre-drilled corner and side holes. Standard connectors sit under the mats and are bolted from the top with bolts and washers. Galvanised connectors push through the mat holes and lock the mats together without tools. Each mat needs six connectors to secure all sides; heavy duty cable ties are also available for joining mats. The standard GroundTuff mat interlocks without connectors.

Edges. Add bevel edges to GroundTuff mats wherever pedestrians, trolleys or wheelchairs step on and off the matting.

Storage and transport. Urban, PRO and Enviro mats stack in our stillage (GPS4896BU) for forklift handling: 50 Urban, 35 PRO or 30 Enviro mats per stillage.

Data sheets

GroundTuff Range Overview

GroundTuff Data Sheet

GroundTuff Urban Data Sheet (PDF)

GroundTuff PRO Data Sheet (PDF)

GroundTuff Enviro Data Sheet (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are ground protection mats and trackway used for?: Ground protection mats, also called trackway or plastic road plates, create a temporary, stable surface over grass, mud, soft ground and finished surfaces. They stop vehicles and plant sinking or rutting the ground, protect lawns, kerbs and paving, and give pedestrians a safe, non-slip route across a site or event.
Which plastic road plates do I need?: Choose by the heaviest load and the people using it. GroundTuff (20 tonnes) suits pedestrians, events and light vehicles; Urban (35 tonnes) suits walkways and wheelchair routes; PRO (60 tonnes) suits temporary roadways and heavy vehicles; Enviro (100 tonnes) suits plant and machinery. Load capacity depends on ground conditions, so talk to our team if you are unsure.
How much weight can ground protection mats take?: Our hire mats are rated from 20 to 100 tonnes: GroundTuff up to 20 tonnes, Urban up to 35, PRO up to 60 and Enviro up to 100. These ratings depend on ground conditions and load characteristics, so the ground must be sound and free from significant depressions such as potholes.
What is the difference between plastic road plates and steel road plates?: Steel road plates bridge open trenches and excavations. Plastic road plates such as GroundTuff are often used as trackway. They sit flat on the ground to protect it and spread the load. Many sites use both: steel plates over the trench and trackway for the access route around it. We can provide both, so talk to us about what your site needs.
How does trackway join together?: Urban, PRO and Enviro mats join with 2-way or 4-way connectors through pre-drilled corner and side holes, and each mat needs six connectors to secure all sides. The standard GroundTuff mat interlocks without connectors.
Is trackway suitable for wheelchairs?: Yes. The low-profile GroundTuff Urban mat and the 4-bar chequer plate face of GroundTuff PRO are suitable for wheelchair users, and bevel edges are available for a smooth ramped edge.
Can I hire trackway for an event?: Yes. Plastic road plates are widely used for festivals, shows, weddings and outdoor events to create walkways, car parks and production roads. We deliver nationwide, so get in touch with your dates and site details for a quote.

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jac H 
 18 September 2026
 
 
  Maltawards responded exceptionally quickly to a sensitive situation (after normal working hours) and were extremely professional.  The delivery driver was excellent and the service over all has been great.  We were a first time customer however we were treated with respect and support and we will definitely use Maltawards again.  Thank you team.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sofia Myles-Hernandez 
 9 March 2026
 
 
  We have worked with Maltaward for several years now and have always found them to be a reliable and professional company to deal with. The team are easy to work with, communication is always straightforward, and their service is consistently efficient. Whether it’s concrete blocks, fencing or general security solutions, they always deliver exactly what’s needed. No matter how far the site is or how challenging the location, they always manage to deliver and never let us down. A great company to work with and one we are always happy to recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Oyetunde 
 30 January 2026
 
 
  I’ve been using Maltaward Barriers for a few years now and the service has been excellent every time. Communication is always clear and professional, and the team are reliable and efficient on site. They’ve always gone out of their way to help, even accommodating last-minute jobs whenever possible.

The barriers are consistently delivered and installed on time, exactly as agreed, making the whole process smooth and hassle-free. A very well-organised company with a great attitude and strong attention to detail. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Maltaward Barriers and will definitely continue using them.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sally-ann Thomas 
 4 April 2025
 
 
  We had a very small and quite sensitive requirement for concrete barriers and the team at Maltaward were great from start to delivery. Danny really worked to find the best solution and Lee installed them with absolute precision with no fuss. Thank you. Sally-ann
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nadia Riad 
 2 August 2024
 
 
  Very quick and responsive action and installation - within 24 hours. Thank you Jim and your crew for making this a seamless process. We'll be adding Maltaward to our preferred supplier list.

Thanks - Nadia, Fidum Property Management Ltd
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bill G 
 1 July 2024
 
 
  Very good customer service, competitive price and good communications. Delivery driver was safety conscience, careful and efficient.
When I was uncontactable for the 2nd delivery and driver needed access to the sluice through security gates, Maltaward contacted our "national customer contact centre" who provided a contact number and the delivery was made. A big thank you to the company and driver for their persistence and patience. Would highly recommend this company.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steph Davies 
 2 November 2023
 
 
  I have been using Maltaward for about 12 years, mostly using their traveller eviction services. They have always been very helpful and easy to deal with. No fuss, just get the job done!
More recently in my new company, I have brought them in to use utilised their vacant security services. They have worked with me to provide the correct service for our specific requirements.
They have a common sense approach to everything.
I really cannot recommend the team enough. They have been without a doubt the best security company I have been involved with.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tom Lampard 
 2 November 2023
 
 
  Everyone, and I mean everyone!, from the office team to the guys that drop the barriers, at Maltaward is very responsive, polite and genuinely helpful! I have used them at several sites and they have never let me down!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Syanne Mara 
 23 January 2023
 
 
  Amazing service as always with a quick response time.  Maltaward always have a solution to all problems and execute any works or requirements swiftly and thoroughly.
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 31 reviews

Contact Us

Want a free quote or have questions? Fill out our form below and we’ll respond ASAP.

Why Choose Maltaward Barriers?

Fast and Friendly Service
30 Years Experience with Proven Track Record
FORS Gold Certified
ISO 9001 Certified
Local Authority and Major Property Managers Approved
Heathrow & Gatwick Airport Approved
Range of Solutions to Suit Your Budget

What Our Clients Think Of Us

We are really grateful for you guys organising these barriers, the driver was early, took no time at all and we are now properly secure. We will only use you for this sort of stuff in future, 10/10 service.

Jak

Multiple compliments from staff and patients – I have been taking full credit.

Chaps did an excellent job – quick and efficient and spelling perfect!

Car Park Line Marking

I just express our thanks for the short hire of the blockers and the gate and the services provided by Del yesterday.

We have had excellent feedback, not only internally but from our Customer who was holding the event and it would not have gone so smoothly if Del did not play his part so efficiently and professionally.

Everything ran so smoothly. His Majesty would not have known the amount of work that went into making the event possible not only by the SEGRO team but all of our service partners.

It is not often that feedback is positive but it is important for you to know how grateful we are to you and the team and ask that you thank Del from SEGRO, Felix and personally from myself.

Joanna, Property Manager at SEGRO

Superb job done by you guys and Hal! She was very happy!

Chiswick Sports Ground, London

Thanks to all the team and everyone involved! Great job as always!!

Ashley – High Wycombe