Motorway madness
Watchdog fails to probe rip-off petrol
A WATCHDOG is being accused of stalling a probe into motorway service stations’ high fuel prices.
The RAC is demanding the Competition and Markets Authority gets on with finding out why drivers pay about £8.25 extra to fill up on a motorway.
In March, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling wrote to the CMA accusing service stations of exploiting drivers and asked the CMA to investigate.
The RAC branded the inflated prices highway robbery, claiming Britain’s 32million drivers are being taken for a ride.
But motoring groups are angry that three months on from Mr Grayling’s intervention, the CMA has failed to act.
RAC spokesman Pete Williams said: “It’s disappointing that the authorities appear to have kicked this longoverdue inquiry on motorway fuel prices into the long grass.
“We struggle to understand how the operators have maintained a premium of around 15p a litre for unleaded and diesel – that’s an eye-watering extra £8.25 to fill up an average family car.” He also urged the CMA to follow through on Chris Grayling’s request. Mr Williams advised drivers to find better deals through its Fuel Watch page. Five years ago, the now-defunct Office of Fair Trading found motorway prices were far higher than the rest of Britain and called for roadside comparisons. Motorway service operators say their transportation and rental costs are higher than other petrol retailers and their prices make sense when these are considered. A CMA spokesman said: “Following the letter from the Secretary of State, we have discussed the issues with the Department for Transport and will continue working together to consider the best way forward.” The Department of Transport said: “The department remains in discussion with the CMA about any inquiry they may undertake.”