Motorway prices blasted in safety warning

Text: Julie Sinclair / Photos: UNP

27th August 2007

Motorway service stations are notoriously pricey. But over the August Bank Holiday, are drivers less likely to pull in for a refuel and a rest?

Yes, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) Trust. It says that expensive fuel and food is putting motorists off from making safe stops – and it’s now calling for a Government clampdown.

Its latest research showed price differences of up to 10p on a litre of fuel, and 46p for a bag of crisps, when compared to sites off the motorway network. A spokesman said: “Drivers are still suffering from a lack of competition on the motorway, and a review is long overdue.”

The IAM Trust isn’t alone in its concern. The Highways Agency is about to launch phase two of a public consultation into services on its website (highways.gov.uk).

Proposed changes include flagging up fuel prices on motorway signs ahead of the rest areas. This system already works well in France, as it increases competition. And there are suggestions to increase the number of sites along the motorway by adding smaller rest areas with toilets and other basic facilities. The public’s view on motorway services is likely to be equally critical, if our readers are anything to go by.

Daniel Rickard of Rayleigh, Essex, complained that drivers were sitting ducks when it came to filling up on motorways. “Super unleaded is usually around 5-8 pence per litre more expensive when compared to local rates. It’s out of order as they know you can’t go anywhere else,” he said.

A spokeswoman for service station chain Moto claimed its pump prices were “set by the fuel company” and out of its hands. She also said the firm had introduced Marks and Spencer stores on site, to give drivers cheaper food alternatives.

But as our readers’ comments on our website confirm (see box), service stations still have a lot of improving to do. Most of the complaints posted at autoexpress.co.uk/blogs were about prices. A comparison of the costs at two national chains revealed a huge difference between motorway and high street prices. Our table shows that snacks could be as much as twice the price, while the mark-up on bottled water was 140 per cent!

How service stations compare

(All prices correct at time of going to press)

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