02 May 2025
Three-quarters (77%) of respondents to a new AA survey** say the price of fuel at motorway service areas (MSAs) is unacceptable. Motorway service areas have such a bad reputation for high pump prices that the majority of drivers avoid them for fuel, unless desperate according to the survey.
Fuel at an MSA can be up to 25p a litre more expensive than a fuel station a few miles away from the motorway. However, better fuel price transparency, with the Government’s Fuel Finder scheme going live next year, is starting to reveal the more competitive sites.
The 13,700 strong poll claimed that prices in general were inflated at MSAs. Just 8% said the prices in shops at MSAs are reasonable while 9% believe the price of food and drink are fair. Despite having a captive audience MSAs may put off future visits if drivers feel they are being ripped off.
“Drivers could be forgiven for feeling held to ransom over the cost of fuel and food when they are readily available at a fraction of the cost a short distance away from the motorway.”
For those driving an electric vehicle, just 15% said that there were sufficient charging points available. With the Government’s ambition of 6,000 high-power chargers on England’s motorway and A-road network by 2035, there is more to be done to help convince drivers to make the switch.
It is not all bad news for MSAs, in most circumstances customers are stopping for a toilet break. Three-fifths say there are good facilities which are generally clean and tidy. Similarly, half of customers say MSAs have improved in recent years.
Some of the extra cost of items such as food and fuel can be put down to the additional running costs of MSAs. MSAs are open 24 hours to provide facilities (including free toilets) to drivers at all times, therefore they incur higher staffing costs than facilities which aren’t 24 hours.
Whilst some drivers see an MSA as a convenient stop to break a journey up they are very important for HGV drivers. Offering those drivers a decent and secure place to stop, sometimes overnight, is important especially as most freight in the UK travels by road.
There are currently 96 MSAs in operation on the UK motorway network of 2,300 miles. The first opened in 1959 on the M1 at Newport Pagnell and Watford Gap.
It's generally recommended to take a break of at least 15 minutes every 2 hours when driving long distances. This helps to prevent fatigue and maintain concentration.
Jack Cousens, AA head of roads policy, said: “Motorway Service Areas can play an important role in reducing drowsy driving, but many are inclined to ‘drive on’ when they consider the cost of stopping at one.
“Drivers could be forgiven for feeling held to ransom over the cost of fuel and food when they are readily available at a fraction of the cost a short distance away from the motorway.
“Installing playgrounds, dog walking areas, and refurbishing their overall appearance have been good investments to cater for the wide range of visitors. But more could be done to enhance the experience such as installing more charge points for EV drivers.”
When it comes to buying fuel or recharging an EV, The AA recommends drivers plan their journey using the AA Routeplanner on the AA App. The app now has a feature enabling drivers to find fuel or chargepoints along their route.
** Yonder received 13,775 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 11th to 19th February 2025. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.