Motorway solutions stations. Several of us would contemplate them a needed evil, what with their high pump costs, soulless food ‘courts’ and banks of funds-guzzling arcade games.
But the government desires perceptions to change. The Department for Transport is appointing a panel of professionals – architects, motoring organisations and representatives of service station owners – to devise ways to make service stations more attractive.
Among the measures being regarded are improved structural design and style, improved green space and outdoor play locations, and more independent retailers and food outlets.
Greater provision of charging points for electric cars will also be created.
Practical benefits
This is not just a cosmetic physical exercise. As we all know – and as gantry indicators on motorways routinely remind us – tiredness kills. So if service stations can be made far more alluring, probably a lot more of us will cease for a rest.
The DoT suggests that virtually 20% of accidents on key roads are sleep connected. And incidents involving tired drivers are far more probably to lead to death or significant injury than any other road accidents.
But perhaps it is not just the dispiriting encounter of going to a typical service station that’s deterring us from taking that significantly-needed break.
Whilst they need to by law offer you free parking of at least 2 hours, the price of staying longer than the legal minimum can be prohibitive.
The charges differ according to the service station operator and the place, but are generally about £12 for a automobile and £20 for a lorry or caravan. That is very a expensive nap.
We’re told the charges are clearly displayed, even though I’ve never ever noticed a single sign in any of the a lot of service stations I have visited up and down the country.
Risky enterprise
David Davies, MP for Monmouth and a former lorry driver, thinks the costs could encourage drivers to take dangers and desires the government to modify its policy and force stations to offer you cost-free parking for longer.
Or, as he puts it: “It is poor sufficient that motorists spend over the odds to get a coffee or snack at a service station without having the worry of paying vast charges for taking forty winks. This is profiteering plain and straightforward. There is no justification whatsoever for generating a charge.”
Davies has the backing of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM). Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and investigation, is similarly outspoken. He says: “Service places are meant to be about security and taking a break on a extended boring journey. All as well typically these days they are a lot more about selling issues at inflated costs to a captive audience.
“The 2-hour parking rule leaves several drivers confused and worried that they could inadvertently go over the time limit if they cease for a break, which is not a great recipe for safer motoring.”
Candid cameras
Service station operators monitor automobiles coming in and out with automatic plate recognition cameras positioned at entrances and exits. Motorists who stay longer than 2 hours and do not spend the right fee are normally sent a parking charge notice for as much as £100.
If you consider the charge is unfair, you can appeal. Particulars of the appeal procedure must accompany the notice, or you can appear on the firm’s web site. You may possibly, for instance, have broken down or been held up by bad weather.
If the operator is a member of the Authorized Operator Scheme run by the British Parking Association (BPA), you will also have access to the independent Parking on Private Land Appeals (Popla).
Penalty selection
A parking charge notice issued by a private company does not have the identical legal clout as a penalty charge notice or a fixed penalty notice issued by the local council or the police.
Some motorists therefore ignore charge notices, but it’s risky because the business could take you to court to recover the money.
Motorway services stations: time for change?
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