Safe Speed Forums

Motorway services – show them no merci
19 December 2011

Drivers continue to part with more cash for everyday items at motorway service areas, shelling out up to 40 per cent more for everyday items than they would on the high street.

A large Snickers bar costs 90 pence from a motorway service area compared to 68 pence from a high street branch – 32 per cent more – while a regular coffee costs 16 per cent more on the motorway. A packet of McCoys crisps was almost 45 per cent more expensive than a shop on the high street, and a packet of Walkers crisps was marked up by 36 per cent.

With petrol prices averaging about ten pence per litre more than at off-motorway forecourts the IAM is calling for a complete review of motorway prices, together with filling stations being forced to advertise their and their competitors’ fuel prices, as is the case in France.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “We must end this motorway madness. Everything from sweets to petrol have an outrageous mark up.

“Our advice for tired motorists is always to take your rest break and have a coffee to help you freshen up. The danger is that rip-off prices will discourage people from getting the rest they need. Parking fines for drivers who sleep for longer than two hours put people off taking rest breaks.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

Research undertaken by IAM using motorway service areas and high street shops. (Table below).

Product High street prices Motorway services Difference
Regular cafe Americano £1.90 £2.20 15.79%
Regular flat white £2.40 £2.80 16.67%
Regular hot chocolate £2.40 £2.80 16.67%
Snickers duo 68p 90p 32.35%
Double Decker 77p 80p 3.90%
Walkers cheese and onion 70p 95p 35.71%
McCoys cheddar & onion 66p 95p 43.94%
Coca Cola 500ml £1.67 £1.72 2.99%

The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling and cycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

ENDS ALL

Who exactly is ripping off who....

I wonder what the business rates/lease costs/ rent/etc are for motorway services sites?

Y
When they are open, there is a farm shop at one in the Cumbrian Service stops, and we used to buy sausages there and have a good hearty breakfast /lunch. With that lovely smell wafting over the car park, it seemed to set everyone else off too !

I have also followed an M6 sign for a truck stop only services and they were very good - just a small car park for cars but open 24/7 excellent tea and food and could park in sight of the canteen so good for security. That was a pleasing experience and cheap and decent.

Going into Scotland, I usually stop at (I think) Happendon Services - I think the franchise there is called Cairn Lodge. Good value in the cafeteria and the shop as far as services go.

My Brother in Law - who travels up from Lancashire always has breakfast at Tebay Services, but it is too close to home for us!

Southbound, I just go by how long we have travelled, but usually it is Sandbach, Stoke or Hilton Park - or if we are making good time, Chievely of the A34/M4 - just for convenience really. With the exception of Happendon, they are all costly - but then so are the rents, rates and franchise fees they have to pay to be on the sites!

Lymm ?
Was there last night (changeover trailers with Glasgow trunk).. Egg & Cress sarny for £3.94 or walk 200 steps further into McDonalds and buy a Big Tasty for £3.34 (sarny only)