Motorway rip-offs ‘could cost lives’

A new survey from the Institute of Advanced Motorists( IAM) found that prices are hiked up to four times those on the high street for basics like water and a sandwich.

The survey also found that 65% of respondents are most likely only to stop at motorway services just to use the toilet facilities.

The IAM said a medium white coffee costs £3.09 compared to £2.10 London high street.

A 500ml bottle of water is £2.09, compared to 95p, and a basic cheese sandwich is £3.99 compared to £1.00 local high street.

The institute’s chief executive Simon Best said: “Motorway service areas are supposed to be for motorists eat, drink and freshen up.

“It’s very important to have a break every two hours and these costs will put people off stopping. Tired motorists pose a danger to themselves and other road users.”

The survey found that 54% of respondents consider the price of petrol at motorway services to be unreasonable.

With petrol prices averaging about ten pence per litre more than at off-motorway forecourts, the IAMis calling for a complete review of motorway prices, together with filling stations being forced to advertise their and their competitors’ fuel prices, as is the case in France.

The research also revealed that from one motorway service area to the next, the price of petrol can vary by up to 10p per litre.

“17,000 people every year break down on the motorway simply because they have run out of fuel, which can cause lane closures and delays for everyone,” said Mr Best.

“High petrol prices will put people off filling up.

“Forcing stations to advertise their competitors’ prices would drive costs down.”