Why Should We? (Motorway Services)

Member Name: Fudge150

Product:	Motorway Services
Date:	09/07/03 (60 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Free Facilities

Disadvantages: High Prices, Poor Hygiene

Why should we part with our hard earned cash at these establishments? In my experience, the motorway services in this country are not up to the standard they should be to justify the price we pay.

I wouldn't mind paying if the services were at least clean, and the buildings and area were maintained. Ok, theres always the guy at the door peddling AA membership or somesuch, but he's not part of the buildings. Many of the services, particularly around Birmingham, are dirty, smelly, and seriously run down.

They seem to be divided into 4 companies in my experience.

Road Chef = One of the worst operators
Welcome Break = One of the better places
Granada = Worst I have found
Moto = The name given to the recently renovated Granada services. ( The best )

I choose where I stop depending on the company as above. I used to stop at the infamous Frankley Services (nr Birmingham) on my trips to the south coast, but since the prices have skyrocketed (and one bad experience with toilet flushes) it is the last place I would go, the price hike would have been reasonable (you've all heard their excuses for the high prices) but I ask myself, where does the money go? Because it certainly doesn't go back the the consumer by improving the service they provide!

This year it'll be different. I've already found a Tesco store *just* off the motorway for my main food stop (its cheap and cheerful), and a very nice service station in the lakes with a little pond and a 10min walk to stretch my legs. Stafford services offers a nice sandwich break with the luxury of using a CLEAN toilet.

So my advice for other motorists?
Plan your stops in advance, and save yourself from the traps.

Summary: