“Take a Break” campaign compromised by Motorway Services

The forceful campaign being run to persuade drivers to “Take a Break” is being compromised by the poor quality, expense, and lack of facilities for relaxation in motorway service stations says Road Safety champion GEM Motoring Assist (GEM).

It claims the government should reduce the franchise cost of operating motorway services so that they can improve their offering at more competitive prices and ensure that the Tiredness Kills message is heeded.

“There is no question that a tired driver overcome by the numbing boredom of many of our motorways is a danger on the road,” said David Williams, Chief Executive of GEM formerly known as Guild of Experienced Motorists. “The trouble is people will press on with the journey long after they need a rest from the monotony because the service stations are so unattractive and unappealing,” he said. “They are perceived as machines to do no more than take your money, bombarding the weary traveller with a spend, spend, spend culture.”

He said garish shops, noisy games and gambling arcades and ugly restaurants run by disaffected staff serving low quality food produced anything but the relaxing atmosphere drivers really need to refresh and revitalise them. “Why do they not feature comfortable lounges with a quiet and peaceful atmosphere that do not demand you buy something all the time?” said David. “If the Department for Transport is serious about its campaign that urges motorway drivers to “Take a Break, Tiredness can Kill” it should put stronger controls on the massive groups operating chains of service stations to change their attitude, and make it economically viable for them to do so.”

David said that when driving during normal trading hours it may make sense for a driver to leave the motorway for short distances, enjoy a change of pace and find some alternative services that will better meet their needs.

“The problem is these will rarely operate over 24 hours and the person driving at night or in the early hours, one of the most dangerous times, is stuck without choice,” said David.

One motorway service station, unusually family run and serving local produce, comes in for high praise from GEM. It says Tebay Services on the M6 in Cumbria is a prime example of how services should be – serving good food, staffed by friendly local people and set in authentic farm buildings and surrounded by relaxing and calming landscaping. “With people returning from their holidays and eager to press on and get home we believe it is vital they are tempted to stop and enjoy a rest,” said David. “Tebay does just that.”