Certifications and Road Standards in the United Kingdom
Ensuring high-quality and durable road repairs requires compliance with established industry standards and best practices. EZ Street Asphalt is referenced within various certifications and guidelines that set the benchmark for materials used in road maintenance and reinstatement works across the UK. This page explores the key standards, specifications, and regulatory bodies that influence road repair materials and methodologies.
BBA HAPAS Approval
The British Board of Agrément (BBA) Highways Authorities Product Approval Scheme (HAPAS) is one of the most recognised certification processes for highway materials in the UK. The scheme assesses and certifies innovative materials and systems for use in highways, ensuring they meet rigorous performance and durability requirements.
- EZ Street Asphalt is referenced under BBA HAPAS Approval 12/H190
- HAPAS certification provides independent validation that materials perform as intended under UK road conditions.
- This approval is often required by local authorities and highways agencies when selecting materials for road repairs.
The BBA HAPAS approval process includes laboratory testing, field trials, and performance monitoring, ensuring certified products deliver long-term value.
Specification for Highway Works (SHW)
The Specification for Highway Works (SHW) is a foundational document within the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW). It sets out the technical requirements for the construction and maintenance of highways in the UK.
- Defines material performance criteria, including asphalt properties, compaction requirements, and installation methods.
- Referenced by the Department for Transport (DfT) and National Highways for major road construction and maintenance projects.
- Ensures all materials and repair methods used on the highway network meet consistent standards.
Products used in road repairs should align with the material classification and performance expectations set out in the SHW.
More details can be found at Standards for Highways.
Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB)
The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) is a comprehensive framework for the design, assessment, and maintenance of roads in the UK. It provides technical requirements and best practices to ensure road infrastructure meets safety, durability, and environmental considerations.
- Used by local authorities, contractors, and engineers to guide road repair and maintenance strategies.
- Specifies technical performance standards for surfacing materials, including cold asphalt applications.
- Forms part of the National Highways and Transport Scotland regulatory framework.
The DMRB sets benchmarks for road material selection, including durability, skid resistance, and compaction performance.
For more information, visit the DMRB document.
Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Roads
Scotland – SROR (5th Edition, 2023)
The Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Roads (SROR) Scotland outlines material and performance requirements for reinstating excavations. It details:
- Minimum compaction standards for cold-lay asphalt materials.
- Requirements for material thickness, durability, and settlement prevention.
- Guidelines for reinstatement under various traffic load conditions.
View the document at SROR Scotland.
England – SROH (4th Edition, 2020)
The Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways (SROH) England sets out similar requirements, ensuring that road openings are reinstated with durable, traffic-ready materials.
- Used by utility companies and local authorities to standardise reinstatement work.
- Defines material performance, layer compaction, and surface durability requirements.
- Requires compliance with BBA HAPAS-approved materials where applicable.
View the document at SROH England.
Northern Ireland & Wales – 2nd Edition (2006)
Both Northern Ireland and Wales follow similar reinstatement codes of practice, ensuring:
- Uniformity in reinstatement materials and compaction techniques.
- Specifications for cold-lay asphalt in small and large reinstatement areas.
- These specifications ensure that road openings are reinstated to a standard that prevents future deterioration.
View the documents at Northern Ireland and Wales.
Regulatory Bodies and Industry Committees
Roads Authorities & Utilities Committee (Scotland) – RAUC(S)
RAUC(S) oversees collaboration between road authorities and utility providers in Scotland. It:
- Sets best practice guidance for reinstatement works.
- Reviews the performance of road repair materials.
- Provides technical recommendations to ensure compliance with national standards.
Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK))
HAUC(UK) serves a similar role across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, ensuring:
- Consistency in reinstatement standards across all regions.
- Improved coordination between utility companies and highway authorities.
- Ongoing assessment of new materials and methods for road repairs.
Learn more at HAUC(UK).
ADEPT and the Pothole Repair Guide
The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT), in collaboration with the Department for Transport (DfT), developed the Pothole Repair Guide to promote best practices in pothole maintenance.
- Provides practical recommendations for material selection and repair techniques.
- Highlights the importance of compaction and material durability.
- Encourages the use of BBA HAPAS-approved materials for long-term performance.
View the guide at ADEPT & DfT Pothole Repair Guide.
Summary
The UK has strict regulatory standards and best practice guidelines to ensure road maintenance materials perform effectively under traffic loads and environmental conditions. Certifications such as BBA HAPAS provide independent validation of materials, while documents like the SHW, DMRB, and SROH/SROR set the technical framework for material selection and application.
EZ Street Asphalt is referenced within several of these standards, highlighting its relevance and applicability for road repair projects across the UK. Contractors, utility companies, and highway authorities should always review national and regional specifications to ensure their material choices align with industry best practices.
