Warks service station named best in the UK
A WARWICKSHIRE service station has been ranked the best in Britain.
Moto’s Rugby services on the M6 was the only location to achieve a score of 100% in a new customer satisfaction survey - but Warwickshire South Services came out as one of the worst too.
The research, by watchdog Transport Focus, analysed 119 services and spoke to 31,000 people. Visitors were asked for their views on the toilets, staff, value of the food and drink, electric vehicle charging, and the impact their visit had on their mood.
Rugby came out on top with a perfect score, and it was particularly praised for its electric vehicle chargers. AA president Edmund King said the high-quality provision of charging points is “the sort of facilities all motorway service areas should have”.
However, another Warwickshire location didn’t fare so well. Warwick South services on the M40 scored just 84%, ranking it as the UK’S fifth worst service station. Bottom of the list was Hartshead Moor East on the M62, scoring 80%.
The results for all services combined showed that 93% of people were satisfied by services, including 61% who were very satisfied, while just 3% of people were dissatisfied.
One area where there was less happiness though was value for money of refreshments, with only 63% of respondents saying it was good or fairly good.
Some 88% of people were satisfied with the toilets at the services they visited. And 31% said they felt tired, stressed or frustrated when they arrived at a service station, but just 7% felt the same when they left.
Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: “As many people gear up for a half-term getaway, motorway services provide a great place to stop and take a break. Many of us, when we think services, think about stopping for a toilet break - it’s reassuring to see that these are consistently highly rated.
“Our survey shows motorway service operators deliver good overall customer experience and facilities, but visitors don’t always feel they get value for money. Services continue to do a good job of their most important safety function - allowing drivers to rest and relax before getting back on the road.”
Mr King added: “In terms of road safety, it is essential that drivers take a break at least every two-and-a-half hours, so it is vital that attractive service areas with all the facilities encourage drivers to stop.”
Here are Britain’s top five motorway services based on their overall satisfaction score, according to a Transport Focus survey carried out between May 25 and July 17:
1. Rugby (M6): 100%
2. Donington Park (M1): 99%
3. Blackburn with Darwen (M65): 99%
4. Strensham North (M5): 99%
5. Medway East (M2): 99% Here are the worst five:
1. Hartshead Moor East (M62): 80%
2. Lancaster South (M6): 83%
3. Charnock Richard South (M6): 83%
4. Birchanger Green (M11): 83%
5. Warwick South (M40): 84%