Motorway services stations. A lot of of us would consider them a necessary evil, what with their high pump prices, soulless food ‘courts’ and banks of money-guzzling arcade games.
But the government wants perceptions to adjust. The Division for Transport is appointing a panel of experts – architects, motoring organisations and representatives of service station owners – to devise ways to make service stations far more eye-catching.
Amongst the measures getting considered are improved structural style, increased green space and outside play locations, and far more independent retailers and meals outlets.
Higher provision of charging points for electric cars will also be created.
Practical benefits
This is not just a cosmetic exercising. As we all know – and as gantry signs on motorways frequently remind us – tiredness kills. So if service stations can be created far more alluring, maybe much more of us will stop for a rest.
The DoT suggests that practically 20% of accidents on significant roads are sleep connected. And incidents involving tired drivers are much more probably to lead to death or serious injury than any other road accidents.
But maybe it’s not just the dispiriting encounter of visiting a standard service station that’s deterring us from taking that much-necessary break.
Although they need to by law supply totally free parking of at least 2 hours, the cost of staying longer than the legal minimum can be prohibitive.
The charges vary according to the service station operator and the location, but are typically about £12 for a automobile and £20 for a lorry or caravan. That’s really a expensive nap.
We’re told the charges are clearly displayed, even though I’ve by no means noticed a single sign in any of the several service stations I have visited up and down the nation.
Risky business
David Davies, MP for Monmouth and a former lorry driver, thinks the fees could encourage drivers to take dangers and wants the government to change its policy and force stations to offer free parking for longer.
Or, as he puts it: “It is poor enough that motorists pay over the odds to acquire 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 creating a charge.”
Davies has the backing of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM). Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and analysis, is similarly outspoken. He says: “Service places are meant to be about security and taking a break on a lengthy boring journey. All also often these days they are much more about promoting factors at inflated rates to a captive audience.
“The 2-hour parking rule leaves numerous drivers confused and worried that they could inadvertently go over the time limit if they quit for a break, which is not a excellent recipe for safer motoring.”
Candid cameras
Service station operators monitor vehicles coming in and out with automatic plate recognition cameras positioned at entrances and exits. Motorists who remain longer than 2 hours and do not pay the appropriate fee are typically sent a parking charge notice for as a lot as £100.
If you think the charge is unfair, you can appeal. Information of the appeal process ought to accompany the notice, or you can appear on the firm’s site. You may, for example, have broken down or been held up by poor 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 decision
A parking charge notice issued by a private firm does not have the same legal clout as a penalty charge notice or a fixed penalty notice issued by the local council or the police.
Some motorists for that reason ignore charge notices, but it’s risky since the organization could take you to court to recover the income.
Motorway solutions stations: time for modify?
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