Picture the scene, you’ve been driving for miles and miles without a break, your kids are screaming in the back that they need to go to the toilet and you’re running low on fuel. Your eyes light up as you see the sign ‘services 1m’. As happy as you are that the motorway service area is finally approaching, you still hope that you are going to have an enjoyable experience once you arrive.
Read on as we discuss the most highly rated service stations in the UK, based on a survey on customer satisfaction carried out by Transport Focus. The survey asked the opinions of over 31,000 visitors at 119 motorway service stations in the UK. Transport Focus asked respondents various questions about their views on a range of facilities at the stations, such as electric vehicle charging outlets and the value of the food and drink.
The winner of the coveted number one spot of the UK’s best service station is Rugby Services situated on the M6. This services, which is run by the company Moto, received a 100% satisfaction rating. Moto continue to prove popular on the survey – with Donington Park Services on the M1, and also operated by them, taking second place.
In fact, Moto service stations make up half of the UK’s top 10 when it comes to high satisfaction rates, with Medway East Services, Wetherby Services and Washington South Services making the cut. The service station brand Extra saw two entries in the list, with Blackburn and Darwen Services and Peterborough Services receiving positive feedback from consumers. Roadchef also had two entries with Strensham North and Stafford South scoring 99% and 98% satisfaction rate respectively. Finally, clinching the last spot is Rivington North Services on the M61 near Bolton, which is operated by Euro Garages.
93% of people who were asked about how satisfied they were with the service station overall stated that they were 'satisfied' – including 61% of people asked saying that they were ‘very satisfied’, so it is highly likely that no matter which service station you visit on your travels, you should have a pleasant experience overall.