Motorway solutions stations. A lot of of us would consider them a needed evil, what with their higher pump rates, soulless meals ‘courts’ and banks of income-guzzling arcade games.
But the government desires perceptions to adjust. The Division for Transport is appointing a panel of professionals – architects, motoring organisations and representatives of service station owners – to devise methods to make service stations a lot more appealing.
Among the measures becoming regarded as are improved structural style, enhanced green space and outdoor play areas, and a lot more independent retailers and meals outlets.
Greater provision of charging points for electric automobiles will also be produced.
Sensible rewards
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 created far more alluring, probably far more of us will stop for a rest.
The DoT suggests that virtually 20% of accidents on major roads are sleep connected. And incidents involving tired drivers are a lot more likely to lead to death or significant injury than any other road accidents.
But perhaps it’s not just the dispiriting expertise of going to a common service station that is deterring us from taking that considerably-needed break.
Although they have to by law offer cost-free parking of at least 2 hours, the cost of staying longer than the legal minimum can be prohibitive.
The charges differ according to the service station operator and the location, but are generally about £12 for a auto and £20 for a lorry or caravan. That’s fairly a pricey nap.
We’re told the charges are clearly displayed, even though I’ve never ever noticed a single sign in any of the many service stations I have visited up and down the nation.
Risky organization
David Davies, MP for Monmouth and a former lorry driver, thinks the fees could encourage drivers to take risks and wants the government to modify its policy and force stations to offer totally free parking for longer.
Or, as he puts it: “It is bad adequate that motorists spend more than the odds to purchase a coffee or snack at a service station without the be concerned of paying vast charges for taking forty winks. This is profiteering plain and basic. There is no justification whatsoever for generating a charge.”
Davies has the backing of the Institute of Sophisticated Motorists (IAM). Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and investigation, is similarly outspoken. He says: “Service areas are meant to be about security and taking a break on a long boring journey. All too often these days they are a lot more about selling factors 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 quit for a break, which is not a good recipe for safer motoring.”
Candid cameras
Service station operators monitor cars coming in and out with automatic plate recognition cameras positioned at entrances and exits. Motorists who keep longer than 2 hours and don’t spend the appropriate charge are normally sent a parking charge notice for as a lot as £100.
If you think the charge is unfair, you can appeal. Details of the appeal process need to accompany the notice, or you can look on the firm’s internet site. You might, for instance, have broken down or been held up by poor climate.
If the operator is a member of the Approved 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 very same legal clout as a penalty charge notice or a fixed penalty notice issued by the regional council or the police.
Some motorists as a result ignore charge notices, but it’s risky due to the fact the company could take you to court to recover the income.
Motorway services stations: time for modify?
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