M-way pits-stops

UK’s worst service stations blasted in customer survey

A MOTORWAY service station has been branded Britain’s worst after it left drivers without even the chance of a coffee during a revamp.

Thurrock Services, on the M25, was described by disgruntled drivers as “gloriously ugly” and “a building site”.

Reviews claimed the service station’s toilets were “disgusting” and advised: “Avoid if you have other options.”

But while the Essex pit-stop was bottom on just 68% in the poll by watchdog Transport Focus, the top six were all found in the Midlands or the North.

Top-rated Norton Canes, on the M6 in Staffordshire, was awarded a perfect 100 – impressing users with its clean toilets, friendly staff and food and drink options.

However drivers must pay £5.90 during the week to access the toll road it is on.

Also on the M6, Stafford Southbound won praise for a facelift on its much-hated toilets, while Wetherby on the A1 M impressed with revamped seating, a drivethrough Costa and new outlets.

RIP-OFF

Heston East on the M4 also stepped up with revamped loos and a Greggs to score 88, up from 62 last year.

But while nine out of 10 users were happy with facilities and staff, a third said food and drink were poor value. And twothirds moaned at rip-off fuel prices.

Checks by the Mirror found service station petrol as much as 19p a litre up on the national average, at 147.9p.

Lucky motorists at Tiverton on the M5 pay a 3p premium at 131.9p a litre.

The poll of 9,600 visitors to 111 motorway service stations found three quarters stopped for the toilets, while only half bought food and drink.

Transport Focus boss Anthony Smith said: “Operators need to focus on value for money – a good range of food and that buildings are maintained.”

Services giant Moto admitted it still had work to do at its Thurrock site – but said three of its others were in the top 10.

The RAC’s Steve Gooding said: “No one expects motorway service areas to be fivestar, but we need a minimum standard.”