Skip advert
Advertisement

England's best and worst motorway services revealed

Norton Canes on the M6 toll gets the best rating, but M25’s Thurrock services most heavily criticised by customers

Tebay motorway service station

The UK’s best and most motorways service stations have been revealed by a poll of almost 10,000 customers.

Topping the tables of the best motorways services is Norton Canes Roadchef on the M6 toll, ranked first with 100 per cent of customers satisfied. Roadchef’s Stafford Southbound services on the M6 takes the silver medal, while Moto’s Wetherby services on the A1 (M) manages an honourable bronze.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But not all services garnered such glowing reports. Leading the worst offenders is Thurrock services on the M25 which, while currently undergoing refurbishment, left just 68 per cent of users satisfied. Toddington, also being renovated, posted a 72 per cent satisfaction rating, while Southwaite Northbound services on the M6 was the third worst motorway service station – though one that left a more palatable 80 per cent of users satisfied. The top three worst performers were all run by Moto.

• All motorway service stations to get electric car charging points 

The poll of 9,600 users, commissioned by independent watchdog Transport Focus, saw drivers rate services for areas including the cleanliness and availability of toilets, how friendly staff were, what food and drink options were available, and how they felt during their visit. 

The results show stopping at a motorway service area leads to a decrease in stress, with the 24 per cent of visitors arriving in a stressed, tired or frustrated frame of mind, but just 5 per cent leaving in similar mood. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The survey also found motorway services have improved in recent years, with 92 per cent of customers being happy after their pit stop. Anthony Smith, Transport Focus’ chief executive, said: “Motorway services play an important role in providing the break motorists need”, though he added “operators need to focus on ensuring customers see their experience as value for the money they’ve paid.”

Advertisement - Article continues below

• 'The Government and Department for Transport are more out of touch than ever'

While over half of users claimed they enjoyed stopping at services, 65 per cent of users said the cost of petrol and diesel on motorways annoyed them. Those feelings were previously echoed by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, who called for an investigation over fears high motorway fuel prices “exploit users in a situation where there is less choice and competition, and discourage motorists from stopping and re-fuelling”.

Grayling’s comments were heavily rebuffed by motorway service station operators, though, with Roadchef pointing out it does not run petrol stations at its services, and Moto explaining it operates in a “very different environment to most other retailers.” 

Best-rated motorway services

ServicesOperatorPer cent satisfiedRankingout of 111 Report ref’number
Norton Canes (M6 toll)Roadchef100%165
Stafford Southbound (M6)Roadchef99%284
Wetherby (A1 (M))Moto99%3106
Hilton Park Southbound (M6)Moto99%440
Corley Southbound (M6)Welcome Break99%520
Tebay Southbound (M6)Westmorland99%691
Pease Pottage (M23)Moto99%767
Woodall Southbound (M1)Welcome Break99%8110
Killington Lake (M6)Roadchef99%Joint 9th44
Tebay Northbound (M6)Westmorland99%Joint 9th90

Worst-rated motorway services 

ServicesOperatorPer cent satisfiedRankingout of 111 Report ref’number
Thurrock* (M25)Moto68%11193
Toddington Southbound* (M1)Moto72%11097
Southwaite Northbound (M6)Moto80%10981
Newport Pagnell South (M1)Welcome Break81%10862
Bridgwater (M5)Moto81%1078

What has your experience been when visiting motorway services? Tell us in the comments below... 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs

The new Land Rover Defender Sport is set to sit below the existing Defender in the Land Rover range, with our exclusive images previewing how it could…
News
12 Oct 2025
New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet
Leapmotor B10 - front action

New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet

The new Leapmotor B10 is a serious player in the small electric SUV sector, boasting good range, plenty of kit and a tempting price tag
Road tests
14 Oct 2025
Car Deal of the Day: fully-loaded VW Passat PHEV for £235 a month seems like crazy value
Volkswagen Passat Estate UK - front action

Car Deal of the Day: fully-loaded VW Passat PHEV for £235 a month seems like crazy value

The Passat has been a family favourite for decades – and the latest model is no different. It’s our Deal of the Day for October 13.
News
13 Oct 2025