Having motorway services on the M6 Toll might seem a little odd – drivers tend to use the route to avoid congestion and save time – but it’s good to know that if you do stop, the facilities are likely to be top-notch. That’s according to the results of a new survey conducted by Transport Focus.
The transport watchdog questioned 9,600 customers on key facilities, such as toilets, staffing, food and drink. Norton Canes on the M6 Toll came out top, with a 100 percent satisfaction rating.
Motorway hell or the great getaway? Tomorrow – Tuesday 24 July- we publish our 2018 #Motorway #Services User Survey pic.twitter.com/3DQgg4Qhdj
— Transport Focus (@TransportFocus) July 23, 2018
Motorway services have upped their game in recent years, with 92 percent of visitors happy with their visit. But Transport Focus points out that value for money continues to be a key area for improvement.
Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, said: “As the summer holiday getaway gets into full swing it’s good to see motorway services customers feel they get a good experience.
“Motorway services play an important role in providing the break motorists need. Drivers tell us they feel less stressed and more awake.
“Motorway service operators need to focus on ensuring customers see their experience as value for the money they’ve paid – that there is [a] good range of food on offer and that buildings are maintained to a high standard.”
In 2017, Heston East was named the worst motorway services, with 62 percent satisfaction, but this year it has seen a significant increase to 88 percent. Meanwhile, Stafford South has gone from 70 percent in 2017 to 99 percent in 2018 – the biggest improvement of any site.
We suspect the lowest ranked motorway services won’t come as any surprise to the drivers forced to endure their misery on a daily basis. Take a bow, Thurrock on the M25, you’re officially the worst in England.
Highest ranked motorway services
- Norton Canes: M6 Toll, operated by Roadchef
- Stafford South: M6, Roadchef
- Wetherby: A1(M), Moto
- Hilton Park South: M6, Moto
- Corley South: M6, Welcome Break
- Tebay South: M6, Westmorland
- Pease Pottage: M23, Moto
- Woodall South: M1, Welcome Break
- Killington Lake: M6, Roadchef
- Tebay North: M6, Westmorland
Lowest ranked motorway services
- Thurrock: M25, Moto
- Toddington South: M1, Moto
- Southwaite North: M6, Moto
- Newport Pagnell South: M1, Welcome Break
- Bridgwater: M5, Moto
No space for Gloucester Services in the top 10, which might come as a surprise to drivers in the west country.
It sounds a bit Alan Partridge-esque asking this: but do you have a favourite motorway services? Let us know.
