Motorway services stations: time for change?

Motorway solutions stations. Several of us would consider them a necessary evil, what with their high pump costs, soulless meals ‘courts’ and banks of cash-guzzling arcade games.

But the government desires perceptions to adjust. The Department for Transport is appointing a panel of specialists – architects, motoring organisations and representatives of service station owners – to devise approaches to make service stations far more appealing.

Amongst the measures getting deemed are enhanced structural design and style, improved green space and outdoor play locations, and more independent retailers and food outlets.

Higher provision of charging points for electric automobiles will also be produced.

Practical advantages

This is not just a cosmetic physical exercise. As we all know – and as gantry indicators on motorways often remind us – tiredness kills. So if service stations can be created much more alluring, maybe a lot more of us will stop for a rest.

The DoT suggests that practically 20% of accidents on key roads are sleep connected. And incidents involving tired drivers are more most likely to result in death or significant injury than any other road accidents.

But perhaps it’s not just the dispiriting experience of visiting a typical service station that’s deterring us from taking that a lot-necessary break.

Whilst they have to by law provide 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 usually about £12 for a car and £20 for a lorry or caravan. That’s fairly a costly nap.

We’re told the charges are clearly displayed, although I’ve by no means noticed a single sign in any of the a lot of service stations I have visited up and down the nation.

Risky business

David Davies, MP for Monmouth and a former lorry driver, thinks the costs could encourage drivers to take dangers and wants the government to modify its policy and force stations to provide cost-free parking for longer.

Or, as he puts it: “It is undesirable sufficient that motorists pay over the odds to buy a coffee or snack at a service station with out the be concerned 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 study, is similarly outspoken. He says: “Service locations are meant to be about safety and taking a break on a lengthy boring journey. All too frequently these days they are much more about promoting items at inflated rates to a captive audience.

“The 2-hour parking rule leaves a lot of drivers confused and worried that they may possibly inadvertently go more than the time limit if they cease for a break, which is not a good 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 remain longer than 2 hours and do not spend the right fee are typically sent a parking charge notice for as considerably as £100.

If you believe the charge is unfair, you can appeal. Specifics of the appeal procedure need to accompany the notice, or you can look on the firm’s website. You may possibly, for instance, have broken down or been held up by negative 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 choice

A parking charge notice issued by a private company does not have the exact same legal clout as a penalty charge notice or a fixed penalty notice issued by the nearby council or the police.

Some motorists therefore ignore charge notices, but it’s risky simply because the company could take you to court to recover the funds.

Motorway services stations: time for change?

Motorway services stations: time for modify?

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?

Motorway solutions stations: time for modify?

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?

Motorway services stations: time for change?

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?

Motorway solutions stations: time for adjust?

Motorway solutions stations. Numerous of us would consider them a needed evil, what with their higher pump costs, soulless food ‘courts’ and banks of funds-guzzling arcade games.

But the government wants perceptions to modify. The Division for Transport is appointing a panel of professionals – architects, motoring organisations and representatives of service station owners – to devise techniques to make service stations more desirable.

Amongst the measures getting regarded as are enhanced structural design and style, increased green space and outside play locations, and more independent retailers and meals outlets.

Greater provision of charging points for electric automobiles will also be created.

Practical benefits

This is not just a cosmetic exercising. As we all know – and as gantry signs on motorways often remind us – tiredness kills. So if service stations can be made much more alluring, probably a lot more of us will quit for a rest.

The DoT suggests that practically 20% of accidents on main roads are sleep related. And incidents involving tired drivers are much more probably to trigger death or serious injury than any other road accidents.

But maybe it is not just the dispiriting encounter of going to a standard service station that’s deterring us from taking that considerably-necessary break.

While they need to by law supply 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 place, but are generally about £12 for a auto and £20 for a lorry or caravan. That is fairly a costly nap.

We’re told the charges are clearly displayed, though I’ve by no means noticed a single sign in any of the a lot of service stations I have visited up and down the country.

Risky business

David Davies, MP for Monmouth and a former lorry driver, thinks the charges could encourage drivers to take dangers and wants the government to change its policy and force stations to offer you free of charge parking for longer.

Or, as he puts it: “It is negative sufficient that motorists pay more than the odds to acquire a coffee or snack at a service station with no the be concerned of paying vast charges for taking forty winks. This is profiteering plain and easy. 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 analysis, is similarly outspoken. He says: “Service places are meant to be about safety and taking a break on a long boring journey. All as well frequently these days they are a lot more about promoting factors at inflated costs to a captive audience.

“The 2-hour parking rule leaves a lot of drivers confused and worried that they may possibly 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 vehicles coming in and out with automatic plate recognition cameras positioned at entrances and exits. Motorists who stay longer than 2 hours and don’t pay the correct fee are typically sent a parking charge notice for as a lot as £100.

If you feel the charge is unfair, you can appeal. Information of the appeal procedure must accompany the notice, or you can appear on the firm’s site. You may, for instance, have broken down or been held up by poor climate.

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 same legal clout as a penalty charge notice or a fixed penalty notice issued by the nearby council or the police.

Some motorists as a result ignore charge notices, but it is risky due to the fact the firm could take you to court to recover the funds.

Motorway solutions stations: time for adjust?

Drivers face new crackdown on motorway speeding

Motorists may no longer be reduce any slack when it comes to the 70mph limit thanks to the roll-out of a new wave of motorway speed cameras.

Drivers on motorways about the UK are facing a considerably greater threat of becoming fined for exceeding the 70mph speed limit.

This is due to the roll-out of the Wise motorway scheme, in which varying speed limits are enforced at various occasions of day to assist smooth the flow of targeted traffic.

‘Unfair approach’

Smart motorways, which so far include components of the M1, M2, M6 and M25, control site visitors making use of a series of overhead gantries with variable speed-limit signs and speed cameras.

Even so, official figures show that the cameras are not only becoming utilized to catch motorists who exceed reduced speed limits.

More than current months, thousands of drivers are believed to have been caught – some going at only a small more than the 70mph limit – by this new wave of cameras.

But critics say that this strategy is unfair – firstly since the cameras are painted grey and are harder to spot, but also because motorway driving is relatively safe and travelling a few miles per hour more than the 70mph limit is typically unlikely to lead to a significantly higher threat of an accident.

Guidance provides leeway

Guidance from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) says that motorway drivers ought to be given some leeway and only fined or stopped for driving at over 79mph.

This policy is not legally binding but is generally followed by most of the country’s police forces.

Paul Watters at the AA added that the ACPO guidance stated drivers should be offered the selection of attending a speeding-awareness course rather than becoming fined and obtaining points on their licence unless they have been caught going above 86mph.

“Motorways are the safest roads – only about 4% of accidents happen on them,” he said.

Should limit be strictly enforced?

Nonetheless, Watters added, the security and effectiveness of intelligent motorways depended on drivers observing the speed limits.

“Even though we can’;t anticipate the police and Highways Agency to divulge specifically what the strategy is we would like to believe that speed enforcement on motorways is security and not revenue-associated.

“But if every thing is protected, the roads are clear and the national speed limit is set, there is not the exact same justification to enforce the limit.”

Roger Lawson from the Alliance of British Drivers mentioned: “These cameras are not painted yellow: they are essentially concealed and are set to trigger fines for anybody who breaks the 70mph speed limit.

No security benefits

“If there is a especially dangerous stretch of road, speed cameras can be useful if individuals see them and slow down.

“But that is not the case here simply because drivers don’t know the cameras are there.”

Government figures show that speeding on the motorways is extremely widespread: Division for Transport figures published last year show that 47% of drivers go above 70mph in free-flowing situations.

About 12% of drivers go at 80mph or a lot more, the DfT also found.

Scheme to beat congestion

Watters stated: “These statistics show that speeding is not that serious but some drivers exceed the limit by an even bigger margin and place other folks at threat.”

Wise motorways have been introduced by the Highways Agency in 2013 for use on particularly congested parts of the road ne2rk.

At instances difficult shoulders are utilized as an further lane, and central lanes can be utilized by visitors travelling in either direction based on the time of day.

Examine car insurance coverage – you could uncover a excellent deal in minutes Get a automobile insurance quote

Drivers face new crackdown on motorway speeding

OK, so just what is a sensible motorway?

We’re hearing a lot at the moment about so-known as ‘smart’ motorways.

So it might be a dumb question, but precisely what does that imply?

There’s a single argument that says, when it comes to roads, motorways are already fairly smart.

Right after all, they’re straight, they’re not punctuated by roundabouts and site visitors lights, and if you’re fortunate, they get you where you want faster than any other route.

And let’s not neglect that they are safer – motorists have fewer accidents on them than on other roads.

But now motorways are acquiring even cleverer.

Pioneering ‘smart’ technologies has been created to reduce congestion and ease site visitors flow, avoiding the want for expensive and frequently controversial road-widening schemes.

Smart moves

A ‘smart’ motorway scheme includes:

– converting the challenging shoulder into an extra lane to minimize targeted traffic jams

– installing far more cameras to enforce speed limits, and

– putting up new warning signs to let drivers know about impending hazards.

The first ‘smart’ scheme opened on an 8-mile section of the M25 in April final year. Additional sections, 1 on the southern element of the M25, and an additional on the northern section, are now also in operation.

Northern lights

But it’s not just the south-east of England which is benefiting from wise technology.

In the north, a 17-mile stretch of the ne2rk among Junction 8 of the M60 close to Sale and Junction 20 of the M62 close to Rochdale is getting upgraded to a intelligent motorway. Operate on the project will be completed by the autumn of 2017.

Related schemes are also being rolled out on the M1 and M3.

The tough shoulder is also being permanently converted into an additional lane on a 5-mile stretch of the M62 in between junctions 18 and 20 to support ease congestion.

Sign of the occasions

Once the modifications are completed, much more than 200 electronic indicators on the M60 and M62 will be in spot to warn drivers of targeted traffic incidents, adjustments in the mandatory speed limit and any lane closures.

There will also be much more CCTV cameras introduced to monitor visitors levels from the Highways Agency’s Regional Handle Centre at Newton-le-Willows in Merseyside.

Finally, there will be emergency ‘refuge’ locations available on the section of M62 which doesn’t have a tough shoulder. Overhead indicators will show a red ‘X’ indicating which lanes are shut in the course of incidents, permitting police, ambulance and fire solutions effortless access.

At-a-glance wise motorway golden rules

The Highways Agency has published a list of sensible motorway guidelines to support drivers adapt to the new motorways.

On a sensible motorway you must:

• in no way drive beneath a red “X”


• preserve to the speed limit shown on the gantries


• a solid white line indicates the tough shoulder – don’t drive in it unless directed.


• a broken white line indicates a standard operating lane


• use the refuge places for emergencies if there’s no tough shoulder


• place your hazard lights on if you break down.

Candid cameras

Most motorists welcome improvements to motorways – soon after all, any measures to support ease congestion are surely a excellent factor.

Even so, the scheme is not proving so popular with drivers who nudge over the 70mph speed limit and who are caught out by the new high-tech cameras which face each forwards and backwards.

In contrast to the usual yellow speed cameras, these cameras are grey, and able to track across 4 lanes rather than just 1.

It has been reported that on one particular section of the M25 in Kent, between junctions 5 and 6, 668 motorists have been caught in just 2 months following the cameras were turned on.

These drivers face at least £100 in fines, as properly as points on their licence.

Of these 668, 520 received tickets where the limit was set at precisely 70mph. This is in spite of the truth most motorists think they are permitted a margin of grace more than any speed limit – police don’t usually stop any person beneath 79mph.

And then there’s the expense of sensible motorways. The bill for these ‘stealth’ cameras alone apparently runs to £2.1m of taxpayers’ cash.

Understand far more

You can uncover out more about the improvement of intelligent motorways on the Highways Agency’s website. You can register on the web site to be kept informed about the news on the scheme.

OK, so just what is a sensible motorway?

Drivers face new crackdown on motorway speeding

Motorists could no longer be reduce any slack when it comes to the 70mph limit thanks to the roll-out of a new wave of motorway speed cameras.

Drivers on motorways about the UK are facing a significantly greater danger of becoming fined for exceeding the 70mph speed limit.

This is due to the roll-out of the Smart motorway scheme, in which varying speed limits are enforced at various times of day to help smooth the flow of visitors.

‘Unfair approach’

Intelligent motorways, which so far contain components of the M1, M2, M6 and M25, handle targeted traffic utilizing a series of overhead gantries with variable speed-limit signs and speed cameras.

Nonetheless, official figures show that the cameras are not only being employed to catch motorists who exceed decrease speed limits.

Over current months, thousands of drivers are believed to have been caught – some going at only a small over the 70mph limit – by this new wave of cameras.

But critics say that this method is unfair – firstly simply because the cameras are painted grey and are tougher to spot, but also because motorway driving is comparatively secure and travelling a few miles per hour over the 70mph limit is normally unlikely to lead to a substantially greater threat of an accident.

Guidance gives leeway

Guidance from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) says that motorway drivers must be provided some leeway and only fined or stopped for driving at over 79mph.

This policy is not legally binding but is generally followed by most of the country’s police forces.

Paul Watters at the AA added that the ACPO guidance mentioned drivers ought to be offered the option of attending a speeding-awareness course rather than getting fined and getting points on their licence unless they have been caught going above 86mph.

“Motorways are the safest roads – only about 4% of accidents occur on them,” he mentioned.

Must limit be strictly enforced?

Nevertheless, Watters added, the safety and effectiveness of smart motorways depended on drivers observing the speed limits.

“Although we can’;t expect the police and Highways Agency to divulge specifically what the method is we would like to consider that speed enforcement on motorways is safety and not revenue-connected.

“But if every thing is safe, the roads are clear and the national speed limit is set, there isn’t the identical justification to enforce the limit.”

Roger Lawson from the Alliance of British Drivers said: “These cameras are not painted yellow: they are essentially concealed and are set to trigger fines for anybody who breaks the 70mph speed limit.

No security advantages

“If there is a specifically dangerous stretch of road, speed cameras can be useful if men and women see them and slow down.

“But that is not the case right here due to the fact drivers do not know the cameras are there.”

Government figures show that speeding on the motorways is very widespread: Department for Transport figures published last year show that 47% of drivers go above 70mph in cost-free-flowing circumstances.

Around 12% of drivers go at 80mph or a lot more, the DfT also discovered.

Scheme to beat congestion

Watters said: “These statistics show that speeding is not that critical but some drivers exceed the limit by an even bigger margin and put other folks at threat.”

Sensible motorways had been introduced by the Highways Agency in 2013 for use on especially congested components of the road ne2rk.

At instances challenging shoulders are utilized as an extra lane, and central lanes can be utilised by traffic travelling in either path based on the time of day.

Compare car insurance coverage – you could find a great deal in minutes Get a car insurance quote

Drivers face new crackdown on motorway speeding

OK, so just what is a sensible motorway?

We’re hearing a lot at the moment about so-named ‘smart’ motorways.

So it may well be a dumb question, but exactly what does that imply?

There’s 1 argument that says, when it comes to roads, motorways are already quite sensible.

After all, they’re straight, they’re not punctuated by roundabouts and traffic lights, and if you are fortunate, they get you exactly where you want quicker than any other route.

And let’s not overlook that they are safer – motorists have fewer accidents on them than on other roads.

But now motorways are obtaining even cleverer.

Pioneering ‘smart’ technology has been created to lessen congestion and ease visitors flow, avoiding the require for costly and usually controversial road-widening schemes.

Smart moves

A ‘smart’ motorway scheme includes:

– converting the difficult shoulder into an further lane to decrease visitors jams

– installing more cameras to enforce speed limits, and

– placing up new warning signs to let drivers know about impending hazards.

The 1st ‘smart’ scheme opened on an 8-mile section of the M25 in April last year. Additional sections, a single on the southern element of the M25, and an additional on the northern section, are now also in operation.

Northern lights

But it is not just the south-east of England which is benefiting from intelligent technologies.

In the north, a 17-mile stretch of the ne2rk amongst Junction 8 of the M60 near Sale and Junction 20 of the M62 close to Rochdale is getting upgraded to a intelligent motorway. Function on the project will be completed by the autumn of 2017.

Equivalent schemes are also being rolled out on the M1 and M3.

The challenging shoulder is also being permanently converted into an added lane on a 5-mile stretch of the M62 among junctions 18 and 20 to help ease congestion.

Sign of the times

Once the adjustments are completed, far more than 200 electronic indicators on the M60 and M62 will be in location to warn drivers of site visitors incidents, adjustments in the mandatory speed limit and any lane closures.

There will also be much more CCTV cameras introduced to monitor site visitors levels from the Highways Agency’s Regional Manage Centre at Newton-le-Willows in Merseyside.

Ultimately, there will be emergency ‘refuge’ places accessible on the section of M62 which doesn’t have a tough shoulder. Overhead indicators will display a red ‘X’ indicating which lanes are shut during incidents, permitting police, ambulance and fire services simple access.

At-a-glance sensible motorway golden guidelines

The Highways Agency has published a list of wise motorway rules to aid drivers adapt to the new motorways.

On a smart motorway you should:

• never ever drive under a red “X”


• keep to the speed limit shown on the gantries


• a strong white line indicates the hard shoulder – do not drive in it unless directed.


• a broken white line indicates a regular running lane


• use the refuge locations for emergencies if there’s no hard shoulder


• put your hazard lights on if you break down.

Candid cameras

Most motorists welcome improvements to motorways – right after all, any methods to aid ease congestion are surely a good issue.

Nevertheless, the scheme is not proving so popular with drivers who nudge more than the 70mph speed limit and who are caught out by the new high-tech cameras which face each forwards and backwards.

In contrast to the usual yellow speed cameras, these cameras are grey, and in a position to track across 4 lanes rather than just one.

It has been reported that on one section of the M25 in Kent, between junctions 5 and 6, 668 motorists have been caught in just 2 months right after the cameras were turned on.

These drivers face at least £100 in fines, as well as points on their licence.

Of these 668, 520 received tickets exactly where the limit was set at exactly 70mph. This is regardless of the fact most motorists think they are allowed a margin of grace more than any speed limit – police do not typically stop any person below 79mph.

And then there’s the cost of smart motorways. The bill for these ‘stealth’ cameras alone apparently runs to £2.1m of taxpayers’ cash.

Learn a lot more

You can uncover out a lot more about the development of intelligent motorways on the Highways Agency’s web site. You can register on the site to be kept informed about the news on the scheme.

OK, so just what is a sensible motorway?

Why are our motorway service stations so awful?

From overpriced food to strict limits on parking occasions, there are numerous motives motorway solutions get on our nerves.

Are Britain’s service stations a supply of national shame?

That seems to be the conclusion drawn by a new survey of motorists.

A study carried out by the RAC has discovered that virtually 9 in 10 motorway customers consider our service stations provide poor value for money even though a majority describe going to solutions as “not a pleasurable experience”.

‘As tiny time and cash as possible’;

This follows the RAC’s recent findings that drivers are calling for curbs on the costs charged by motorway solutions for petrol and diesel.

The organisation’s new investigation discovered that the typical expenditure at services was between £5 and £10 per person, with 71% of respondents saying they tried to invest as tiny time and income there as feasible.

RAC head of external affairs Pete Williams says: “Millions of motorists rely on motorway service locations for a properly-earned rest.

“It is important for their security and that of other road customers that they take typical breaks so they are not tired when behind the wheel.

Strict parking limits

“But motorists really feel they are being seriously let down by what they see as overpriced merchandise and a lack of great service to match these premium rates.”

Williams adds: “For a family of 4 to consume a rapid, relatively fundamental meal together, the bill can simply pass the £40 mark, and even then, motorists inform us that the meals on supply in some cases just does not meet the mark.”

The RAC found that respondents were especially unhappy with the truth that a lot of service stations imposed strict time limits on parking.

Much more than 8 in 10 stated solutions ought to allow free of charge lengthy-stay or overnight parking so that drivers could rest adequately.

Unhappy clients

A quantity of Confused.com readers were also critical of Britain’s service stations following our recent report on higher motorway fuel rates.

One particular commenter, Michael, says: “Personally I think the entire standard of service stations in the UK is appalling.

“I travel every day from Manchester to the West Midlands and they are all dirty, overpriced and past their sell-by date.”

An additional commenter, Mark, adds: “Everything about motorway solutions is created for the extraction of the maximum quantity of cash from the customers, not for their convenience and safety.

A greater way

“If they have been concerned about the safety of the driver, they would not have a parking time limit of 2 hours.

“On the Continent, they anticipate you to cease and sleep if you start off to feel tired. Right here, they expect you to quit, devote your income and then bugger off.”

Williams at the RAC says that a excellent example has been set by the independent firm Westmorland Household, which has run the Tebay solutions on the M6 in Cumbria for a number of decades.

He adds: “They have taken a extremely different method, sourcing excellent top quality ingredients from the nearby region, producing home-cooked food which numerous take into account to provide much better value for cash, as well as becoming a far better good quality and possibly healthier option.”

‘Food is the key’;

Sarah Dunning, Westmorland Family’s CEO, says “correct food” is the company’s USP.

Westmorland has this year opened a second service station on the M5 close to Gloucester

“We have a great deal of repeat custom — and visitors to each Gloucester and Tebay are effusive in their praise, and that really helps to galvanise and inspire our staff to deliver each high quality and service,” Dunning says.

But she adds that the process of taking over a service station can be fraught with red tape.

“It was a quite long journey to open Gloucester Solutions, resulting in a judicial overview.”

Maybe this obstacle to competitors is a cause why other operators can get away with failing to meet customers’ expectations.

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Why are our motorway service stations so awful?

Why are our motorway service stations so awful?

From overpriced meals to strict limits on parking instances, there are several causes motorway services get on our nerves.

Are Britain’s service stations a source of national shame?

That seems to be the conclusion drawn by a new survey of motorists.

A study carried out by the RAC has discovered that virtually 9 in 10 motorway users feel our service stations offer you poor value for funds while a majority describe visiting services as “not a pleasurable knowledge”.

‘As little time and funds as possible’;

This follows the RAC’s current findings that drivers are calling for curbs on the costs charged by motorway solutions for petrol and diesel.

The organisation’s new study located that the typical expenditure at solutions was between £5 and £10 per particular person, with 71% of respondents saying they tried to commit as small time and funds there as attainable.

RAC head of external affairs Pete Williams says: “Millions of motorists depend on motorway service locations for a properly-earned rest.

“It is crucial for their safety and that of other road customers that they take regular breaks so they are not tired when behind the wheel.

Strict parking limits

“But motorists really feel they are becoming seriously let down by what they see as overpriced products and a lack of good service to match these premium costs.”

Williams adds: “For a family members of 4 to consume a fast, fairly fundamental meal with each other, the bill can effortlessly pass the £40 mark, and even then, motorists tell us that the food on provide in some cases just doesn’t meet the mark.”

The RAC discovered that respondents have been specifically unhappy with the reality that a lot of service stations imposed strict time limits on parking.

Far more than 8 in 10 said solutions need to permit cost-free extended-stay or overnight parking so that drivers could rest adequately.

Unhappy clients

A quantity of Confused.com readers have been also vital of Britain’s service stations following our current report on high motorway fuel prices.

One commenter, Michael, says: “Personally I believe the entire standard of service stations in the UK is appalling.

“I travel every day from Manchester to the West Midlands and they are all dirty, overpriced and past their sell-by date.”

Yet another commenter, Mark, adds: “Every thing about motorway services is made for the extraction of the maximum amount of funds from the users, not for their comfort and safety.

A far better way

“If they had been concerned about the security of the driver, they would not have a parking time limit of 2 hours.

“On the Continent, they count on you to stop and sleep if you begin to feel tired. Right here, they anticipate you to cease, commit your income and then bugger off.”

Williams at the RAC says that a great example has been set by the independent firm Westmorland Household, which has run the Tebay solutions on the M6 in Cumbria for several decades.

He adds: “They have taken a quite diverse approach, sourcing excellent top quality components from the local region, generating home-cooked meals which a lot of think about to give much better value for cash, as well as becoming a much better top quality and possibly healthier alternative.”

‘Food is the key’;

Sarah Dunning, Westmorland Family’s CEO, says “proper food” is the company’s USP.

Westmorland has this year opened a second service station on the M5 near Gloucester

“We have a excellent deal of repeat custom — and visitors to each Gloucester and Tebay are effusive in their praise, and that really assists to galvanise and inspire our staff to deliver both quality and service,” Dunning says.

But she adds that the method of taking more than a service station can be fraught with red tape.

“It was a very long journey to open Gloucester Services, resulting in a judicial evaluation.”

Probably this obstacle to competition is a cause why other operators can get away with failing to meet customers’ expectations.

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Why are our motorway service stations so awful?

17 motives why the M4 is the very best motorway

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Wise motorway fears revealed

9/5/14

By Simon O’;Hare

Several drivers are worried about their security on new Sensible motorways which are getting introduced across England, according to a survey.

Around 6 out of 10 drivers (71%) stated they would feel less secure on a motorway with no a challenging shoulder, study from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) revealed.

A strategy to make security refuges additional apart on motorways is a essential concern, with nearly half (48%) of drivers suggesting there must a maximum of 500 yards (.45km) amongst each 1.

The response was not wholly adverse even though, as about 4 in 10 (42%) consider Sensible motorways have eased congestion and a equivalent proportion (43%) stated they have cut journey occasions.

One particular in 3 motorists (32%) stated they would help undertaking getting legalised on Wise motorways.

But the survey has prompted the IAM to suggest drivers require more advice, with 2-thirds (67%) of respondents saying they have not noticed any publicity about Smart motorways.

“Wise motorways are becoming rolled out across England but our survey shows that drivers want far more reassurance and details on how protected they will be and how to use them,” stated IAM chief executive Simon Very best.

“The IAM has been supportive of hard shoulder running but we have constantly stated that the Highways Agency have to be swift to discover and implement any true planet lessons as more schemes come into use.”

The IAM advises drivers to take note of the overhead gantries on Smart motorways, as they provide data about traffic situations and lane access for the road ahead.

• A red cross without flashing beacons signifies the tough shoulder is to be used for breakdowns and emergencies only, the IAM points out.


• A speed limit inside a red circle indicates it is totally mandatory and there might be cameras in spot to enforce it.


• A red cross with flashing beacons is telling drivers to cease using a given lane, while a blank signal implies usual motorway rules apply.

The IAM says a white arrow with flashing beacons applies to all lanes and indicates drivers must move into the lane that the arrow is pointing to.

And when a national speed limit sign is shown, it signifies the 70mph maximum is applicable to all lanes apart from the difficult shoulder.

Wise motorway fears revealed