Parking in motorway service areas

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I think the reality is that there are just not enough service stations on our motorways. In France they have Rest Areas are every 10 kilometres and full Service Area more frequently than we do and the motorways are no where near as busy. I think we need to build a couple of dozen new service stations just to cope with lorries let alone caravans. I do agree that both Clubs could be more proactive in fighting our cause, perhaps they are but don't tell us. Unfortunately under the current system which seems to be that the Government decide where they are but give the responsibility to building and running them to people whose only interest is to provide the bare minimum and make the maximum amount of profit they never will improve, sad to say!

David

Pulled in at north bound Hilton Park recently, besides the parking bays being such that you have to reverse out of them with limited visibility, they're way way too short. 

Perhaps naming the service area for the benefit of other members might be an idea, GT.

 

Didn't we used to have a sticky about service areas?

I think what is likely to get more response is a description and comment on a public forum like Facebook.  Most of these organisations have FB pages and monitor them fairly closely.  If they are getting adverse comments displayed in this way, there is a chance they might respond.

I was told that there wee some regulation that cover provision for caravans at service stations (but know no more than that), but guess that some of the services may be restricted because 'historically' may not have the facility or room.  I find that some of the best services for caravans are the more modern ones - I'm thinking especially of Gloucester.

I actually brought up the very subject at the last Club Council Meeting stressing the worry that it was a safety issue that caravanners could not always pull over at service stations when tired.  The matter has been passed to the Club's Technical Committee to see how the Club could support this and take it forward.

David

Even when they are provided, albeit in limited numbers, they are all to frequently abused by cars, vans and mini buses. The first step would be to stop this abuse although to some extent I can see why vans prefer caravan slots but surely mini buses should use the coach parking areas which often look underused. Perhaps the HGV parking is miss labeled and should be designated "commercial vehicle parking"

peedee

The bottom of the Service areas priority list is Caravans (and Motorhomes)!

"They park free, they use the conveniences, free, then they sit in their caravan and eat and drink their own food and drink....what more do they want?"

These are not my words but those of a senior person in the business.

Think about it

The operators only mark 'Caravan' parking to satisfy their contract obligations so it's pot luck folks and if you find a free bay you are very lucky

I don't disagree EJB but if their prices were not so high it might be different. In anycase, are they not legally bound to provide rest areas for all road users?

peedee

We have been to the services mentioned as I can remember both of us commenting about the three tight pitches. With a motorhome we would have been better in the car park. Genuinely can't remember the name! Another one to watch is Strensham south where we've seen vans clipping the kerb as they leave, have seen one get badly damaged.

Interesting to read everyone's comments - and that as suspected it's not an isolated experience. The service station question was Keele on SB M6.

I haven't had a response to an email I sent them so I will perhaps pursue the suggestion of putting adverse review on FB.