The highways Agency is asking for comment on motorway service areas.
www.highways.gov.uk/news/newsroom.aspx?newsid=1796...9
Kevin...
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The only comment I could make on them is that they are best avoided if at all possible. Unfortunately that is very difficult to do.
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"Road users are being asked for their views on service stations and lay-bys on motorways and major roads."
"Government guidelines recommend drivers should rest for at least 20 minutes every two hours."
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6154352.stm
So how do we get our views into the mincing machine?
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When questioned they said they would not be discussing price or quality of service.
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They should have some of the simple rest places as in France. No need to have shops, just some picnic tables, somewhere to wash your hands and perform bodily functions, a phone box (possibly not even that now, most people have mobiles) and some of those playground activity things for kids. No need for shops, why would I want to go and do my weekly shop at M&S at Reading service station?
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They should have some of the simple rest places as in France.
I've often thought this. They've got the same on the Interstates in the USA. Why not here?
The only reason I can think of is the weather in the country - but then I live in the Highlands, and I am led to believe that it down south of Stirling you often get dry sunny days.
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Whoops! The Highlands and Islands Tourst Board will kill me for that last bit. Just ignore it.
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I'm not quite certain why we still need dedicated service areas at all. Why not have privately owned and operated ones at major junctions, rather than restricted access ones in the middle of nowhere spoiling the environment. This is what they do in the USA, and other countries I have visited.
The fact that costs and level of services are not in the consultation is because the government makes a fortune out of the rent from the sites.
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Doesn't the government still charge a levie on every drink and eatable sold?
I would say they are too large and industrial, and the small but frequent ones in France are much better.
What's more, if they are small and frequent the quality and maybe price should be better as people will just srive a few miles further or stop a few miles sooner at a better one.
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I too have often wished in the UK for the "aires" as built beside French motorways. I suppose the reason they're not going to happen here is that, unlike France (or the USA) Britain is densely populated and there is considerable pressure on land use. You can't imagine (for example) some of the hideously wastefully planned "zones commerciales" which exist on the edge of many French towns happening in the UK - fortunately.
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I have long ago converted to a flask and sandwiches when I undertake a motorway journey. The food is overpriced greasy muck, if you can even be bothered to waste 20 minutes queuing for it at busy times.
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You're right Robin.
The UK services have tried to go upmarket and failed. They're all big brands (costa coffee etc...) and halogen spotlights, but the serice is poor and the coffee is still rubbish and expensive.
Best to take your own things.
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What's the point in asking people for their comments on motorway services if they don't want to hear about the quality and price of the food?
What else is left?
'Er, they are clean, usually and parking wasn't a problem'
Result?
Hooray, service stations are great!! <:-/
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Aim low, expect nothing & dont be disappointed
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The highways Agency is asking for comment on motorway service areas.
Full of criminals, expensive and generally depressing are a good starting point !
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Somewhere quiet where you can get a decent dup of coffee would be a start. Get rid of those hideous arcade games with their attendant noise and flashing lights. Just what you don't need after 200 miles of motorway driving
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