Revealed: England’s worst motorway services
An M25 service station has been named England’s worst motorway service area for customer satisfaction in a new poll.
The survey by watchdog Transport Focus found that Thurrock services, near the Dartford Crossing, scored a satisfaction rating of just 68%, the lowest in the country.
The Essex site been the subject of some scathing reviews on social media recently, with one customer describing the services as “gloriously ugly.”
Thurrock has received poor comments on its toilets and car park, with one reviewer advising that drivers should “avoid if you have other options.”
READ MORE: Six alternative stop-offs to the same old service stations & driving on motorway in wet weather
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The service station with the second worst rating was Toddington Southbound on the M1 (72%), with Southwaite Northbound on the M6 getting the third worst rating at 80%.
Norton Canes on the M6 toll in Staffordshire was named England’s best-rated service area, with a customer rating of 100%.
The services scored highly for its newly-refurbished toilets, the choice of food and drink available, and the friendliness of its staff.
A total of 10 services scored 99%, including Stafford Southbound, Hilton Park Southbound and Corley Southbound, all of which are found on the M6.
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Across all the English service stations surveyed, 92% of customers said they were happy with their visit, despite just 66% thinking the food and drink available represented value for money.
Motorists were also frustrated that fuel costs were higher at motorway services, with RAC research showing that these forecourts often charge up to 15p more.
Transport Focus called on operators to focus more on ensuring that customers enjoy their service station visits, and that they offer value for money in well-maintained locations.
Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: “As the summer holiday getaway gets into full swing, it's good to see motorway services customers feel they get a good experience.
“Motorway services play an important role in providing the break motorists need. Drivers tell us they feel less stressed and more awake.”
Transport Focus surveyed some 9,600 customers for their opinions on a wide range of issues including toilets, staff and food.
The survey was carried out at 111 service stations in England between February and April this year.
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