What is HAPAS?

HAPAS approved. Those in the highways industry will have certainly heard the term.  But what does it actually mean?

HAPAS stands for the Highways Authority Product Approval Scheme, which was developed by market experts to offer consistent and clear testing methods for products and systems designed for use in the highways industry.  Products that are 'approved' lead the way in providing definitive guidance to local authorities and contractors alike, on highway maintenance.

Products that are HAPAS approved have undertaken rigorous and strict independent testing, through bodies such as the BBA(British Board of Agrément), to ensure they are 'fit for purpose'.  Some Ultracrete products, such as Envirobed HA104® manhole bedding mortar, had been 'in the ground' for over 5 years in order to gain the proven durability required to meet the approval.

HAPAS approval is also a significant investment for any business.  Such testing can cost over £30k per certificate.  Any product that has such approval, in light of this alone, can boast assurance of confidence and long-term proven durability.

It raises the question of why? Why would anyone choose to use a material for repairing our roads, when it has none of this assurance? Products that aren't approved haven't undergone rigorous testing, and ultimately can provide no independent evidence that they are 'fit for purpose'.

The endless 'pothole debate' continues, worsening after every extreme winter, whether that be rain, snow or wind.  Our weather is damaging our road network - one of the country's biggest assets.  The situation will only worsen if the use of un-proven 'quick fix' products continues.  Proven materials 'stay where they are put' and don't crack or break out causing repeat maintenance visits.

ChooseUltracrete Instant Road Repair® for example, a flexible proven cold lay asphalt, that gains strength through compaction.  This product has been 'in the ground' for over 35 years, eliminating the recurrence of repeat visits, thus traffic management and lane rental charges.  An endless list of benefits, just from choosing a material bearing the HAPAS mark of quality.

The benefits of using a HAPAS approved material are many, including an extended service life, a reduction in insurance or personal injury claims, and most importantly, a reduction in whole life costs.