Motorway Services

On one occasion on a motorway caravans parking area a police patrol car was in the last available space,but he did move when i pulled up behind him and told him that the rear of our outfit was blocking the access road,  Its HGVs that are the problem usually in caravan bays,   I cannot remember which services it is but the bays need a reverse into ,we were having lunch,(we never leave outfit unattended) ,and there was a heated argument started when a motor caravan reversed into one that had a car already there ,the car moved

We haven't used motorway services when towing for years, they are seldom a nice experience in any way shape or form, other than in an emergency. sole exception are those at Gloucester, fairly newly opened. A lot better thought out, but always packed.

Our preference is and will remain to do part of our journey off the motorway network and find somewhere more pleasant to take a break, walk the dogs, buy cheaper fuel, etc....

However, good luck with this, not everyone chooses as we do, and it could do with improvements.

I think one of the problems is, unlike for coach parking, there are no penalty notices for incorrect vehicles parking in the wrong place. Not everybody takes notice of these but with CCTV surveillance it should not be too difficult to police.

peedee

Like most things if the will is there it can usually happen and, in our experience, there is no will on the part of operators to control parking unless it results in obstruction so affecting their income.

The only two that we use with any regularity are Gloucester and Leigh Delamere and at LD it is often the case that the clearly indicated areas for caravans only are used by others types of vehicle.

In the spirit of TDAs post I can suggest that stopping at Cribbs Causeway in the coach parking area is allowed and we sometimes get fuel at ASDA then park up and have a browse and a coffee.

This is one of my hobby horses !!

I use the services north of Cambridge on the A14. Apart from the fact that the location must have been designed by an idiot having no idea of how one might drive a caravan into the spaces right in the middle of the parking area, they are too short for all but the smallest outfits. They are frequently full (or nearly so) with cars and white van man including on one occasion a police van.

I have responded to similar threads in the past suggesting that the Club should take this subject up with the Ministry of Transport - but, as I also said previously, I won't hold my breath. They will be busy thinking up further new ideas for re-branding rather than looking after the interests of caravanners and motorhomers.

Does anyone know how service stations on motorways are commissioned? I wonder if when a new service area is planned it is put out to tender and the design left to the successful bidder who also foot the bill? The Department of Transport seems set against any parking only rest stops so does that indicate that because to do so would cost the Government money? 

David

We have noticed increased lorry numbers, they are often short of space and at certain times of the day they are filling van spaces. Since they have to take legal breaks there is a lot of pressure on van spaces.

We use motorways a lot especially for long distance travel. Unusually for us we are meandering at the moment but the search for suitable rest places isn't always easy.

At w/ends we have noticed there is more "stress" on parking at service areas and also laybys by continental reg lorries,possibly waiting for the HGV  blockade in France to lift 

I think the whole system is under increased pressure. Vanning is mainly seasonal, school holidays add to this and lorries are under time pressures.

I use the HGV section if there are no separate caravan spots available.

Have even been known to get off to sleep when parked between two reefers that were still chilling down with their fridges running.