The second Transport Focus annual survey of motorway service areas found that truck drivers are distinctly less happy with them than other road users. So what could – or should – be done about it?
For drivers on the M25, Thurrock Services, between junctions 30 and 31, is a familiar landmark, but not always for the right reasons. The motorway service area (MSA) was recently voted worst in the country in a poll of drivers by transport watchdog Transport Focus.
The poll took in the views of more than 9500 MSA users – not just truck drivers – at 111 of the 112 MSAs across England.
Thurrock Services’ operator, Moto, also owns the MSA voted the second-worst in this year’s survey (see box), although the company points out that both were undergoing refurbishment when the poll was being carried out and would score better if it was carried out now.
At the other end of the spectrum, Norton Canes services, on the M6 Toll, came out on top of the survey, with customers giving it a 100% satisfaction rating.
Overall, MSAs had a 92% satisfaction rate from customers. In particular, 89% of visitors were satisfied with the cleanliness of toilet facilities across all of the sites, while just 66% believed the available food and drink was good value for money.
Satisfaction rates among professional drivers were up by 4% year-on-year to 88%, but the group remains the least happy with the facilities of all users. The highest rated of these aspects was the ability to rest in their vehicle, which 70% of respondents said were very good or fairly good. The lowest-rated aspect was value for money of the parking package – rated very or fairly good by only 50% – although this was 3% up on last year.
Other perennial problems for truck drivers were also highlighted, such as showers. Only 66% said their cleanliness was very or fairly good, while just 57% rated the number of showers as very or fairly good. One respondent to the survey said: “Need to cater more for women lorry drivers. Some services don’t have showers for women.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Well forked Daf
Remember, we like to cover all sorts of different trucks here at T&D – like this impressive new CF rigid complete with Moffett Mounty forklift
King of the hill
Moving heavy equipment off road calls for a truck with plenty of power and traction, which is why M&J Plant chose a mighty 6x4 FH16 750
Time Machine 2015-2019
It’s the final part of our series on the history of UK haulage. Let’s look back at those innocent times before that pesky virus turned up
Original and best
There are few trucks which have been customised to the level of the Scania 143, but let’s not forget that the standard product was pretty awesome just as it left the factory, like this rare 420
GOING ALL THE WAY
Simon Rogers got behind the wheel as soon as he was able to, and nearly 30 years later, his company is going from strength to strength, with a striking all-black, top-spec Iveco S-Way 570 the latest addition to the fleet
Abnormal loads
In the distant past, when dinosaurs roamed the planet, truck drivers were a very different breed, made from sterner stuff than us mere mortals
Range change
After a gap of 13 years, Renault trucks have reappeared in the unique colours of MacRitchie Highland Distribution. T&D takes the high road to Inverness to meet owners, Donald and Catriona MacRitchie
Cutting a dash
Freshly showered and munching a healthy egg and cress sarnie in Gloucester North services, Chris has a Foden update
Air we go!
On Saturday 29 May at 6pm, 240 drivers gathered with their trucks at South Mimms Services for a parade to raise vital money for Essex & Hertfordshire Air Ambulance
A Cutt Above
From coal to turf to fencing and loads more, there’s not much the Calcutt fleet hasn’t transported over the years
