TOPAS, a technical procurement standards and product registration company partially managed by the Department for Transport (DfT), has announced that it is closing down due to a lack of funds or a viable business model.

The Traffic Open Products and Specifications (TOPAS) Group is overseen by a management board equally comprised of Government transport departments (DfT, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales), strategic and local road authorities, and industry through the trade body the Association for Road Traffic Safety & Management (ARTSM).

The group was set up as an independent, not-for-profit business following the removal of DfT Type Approval for highways products to 'ensure continuity of equipment performance through the maintenance and development of specifications and product registrations' for road traffic control, monitoring equipment, and related highway infrastructure.

Its funding model was intended to rely on product registration fees; however, this 'has not consistently generated sufficient income to support its operations'.

The group said it had received supplementary funding injections from the organisations of the management board, but these were not a long-term solution or sustainable, and in the absence of a viable business model, TOPAS announced it has decided to close.

The group said in a statement: 'Alternative funding models for the company have been thoroughly assessed but no viable solution has been identified that would retain the clear independence that is fundamental to the sector's acceptance of TOPAS.

'The long-term resilience of the business can therefore no longer be guaranteed. As a result a special resolution was tabled at the AGM on 20th August to close the business. '

The closure will occur in such a way as to allow those with live product developments and applications for registration to complete the process. Therefore, please be advised that no applications for registrations/re-registrations (including fees) will be accepted by TOPAS after 20th May 2027.

'Applicants should ensure their paperwork is completed satisfactorily before submission as there will be no opportunity to resolve any questions after the application closing date and therefore registrations may not reach completion. It is anticipated that the business will close in Q2 of 2028.' TOPAS's main responsibilities were to:

  • Develop and maintain a suite of Technical Procurement Standards,
  • Maintain a register of products that have been assessed as meeting those standard requirements
  • Provide a product registration and certification service for manufacturers 

The DfT told Highways that it will not seek to reverse the decision made by TOPAS, but will examine possible replacement arrangements.

The department said it recognises the need for the transition of current TOPAS activities into future long-term arrangements but added that it is still considering options for maintaining the standards framework for roadside equipment in the future.

TOPAS concluded: 'The Directors and Management Board regret the necessity of this decision. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who support the values and objectives of TOPAS.

'In particular, we both recognise and appreciate the significant efforts of the Management Board in terms of funding, time and commitment, and of those across our community who have willingly given their time and expertise to support the principle that TOPAS' open standards and rigorous assessment form the bedrock upon which robust products can be developed, maintained and built.'