| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
mark occomore
Joined: 07 Dec 2006
Posts: 9955
Location: UK
|
 Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 5:08 am Post subject: Motorway Services Fleecing Us |
 |
|
| Quote: | Motorway service station prices could mean that holiday-makers are penniless before they've even reached their destination - tell us your thoughts
Sky-high prices at motorway service stations could mean day trippers blowing their spending money before even arriving at their destination, according to a Which? Car survey.
Visiting 51 service sites, the magazine's inspectors found bottles of water on sale at four times the price charged in supermarkets.
They also discovered diesel at 13p a litre more than at non-motorway service outlets and a cappuccino costing £2.99.
Six service areas charged more than £10 for five items that would have cost just £5.48 at Sainsbury's.
But the magazine did find that toilets at service stations were generally impressively clean and well-presented, with some even having flowers in the washrooms.
Which? Car editor Richard Headland said: "By all means stop at a motorway service station to use the toilets or have a break from driving, but remember they don't always offer value for money.
"If you're trying to save this summer, buy food and drinks from a supermarket in advance and fill up your car from your cheapest local fuel station before you leave home." |
I couldn't agree more. Some food is at a high price. I guess they have high over heads this is why they charge these prices.
Last edited by mark occomore on Sat May 02, 2009 6:23 pm; edited 2 times in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
MadeinSurrey
Joined: 11 Dec 2006
Posts: 3130
Location: The Beautiful South
|
| Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 8:49 am Post subject: |
|
|
Not really the world's biggest surprise: Motorway services a rip-off , Shock Horror Probe!!
_________________
MiS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Ian Robinson
Site Admin
Joined: 11 Dec 2006
Posts: 3609
Location: Chorley, Lancashire
|
| Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 12:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| MadeinSurrey wrote: | | Not really the world's biggest surprise: Motorway services a rip-off , Shock Horror Probe!! |
After this and "sneezing spreads diseases" I'm expecting Mark's next thread to be titled "Pope Is Catholic"  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
John W
Joined: 07 Dec 2006
Posts: 3367
Location: Warwickshire, UK
|
| Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 12:21 pm Post subject: Re: Motorway Services Fleecing Us |
|
|
| mark occomore wrote: | | Quote: | ..........
"If you're trying to save this summer, buy food and drinks from a supermarket in advance and fill up your car from your cheapest local fuel station before you leave home." |
......... At the end of the day there isn't many areas where you can eat your sandwiches. |
Eh? Mark maybe you live in a congested concrete urban ghetto, but in the rest of the country motorway junctions are near places that are full of parks, village streets, laybys etc etc where one can stop the car and get out and eat.
| mark occomore wrote: |
........ and if it's raining you can't just pull up on the hard shoulder. |
Eh? If it's raining you..... eh? If it's raining and you are hungry?? If it's raining and you are hungry you get off the motorway at the next junction, find a layby....... that is what they are for.
John |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
nod
Joined: 24 Dec 2006
Posts: 3558
|
| Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 12:30 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Petrol & Diesel has been a rip-off at these places for ages, nothing new there, I try not to have to use them.
And one frustrating thing at them is the slaloms they build to force you to walk through the shop when you try to pay for petrol  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
colby
Joined: 06 Feb 2009
Posts: 1216
|
| Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 4:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
What isn't explained, though, is that the operating costs of motorway-based retail operations is higher. Not only are the cost of franchises payable to the Transport department high, but the logical cost of supply is higher. And they're open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year (even if not all of each operation is).
I'm not condoning high prices but it should be considered in context.
I don't understand Mark's connection between "sandwiches" and "rain" either, but I'll leave that one for now.
I look forward to the "Pope and Catholic" thread, though! 
_________________
(signature and avatar removed, violated forum Rule 2.) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Cherskiy
Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Posts: 3701
Location: near Amble, Northumberland
|
| Posted: Tue May 05, 2009 9:52 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| MadeinSurrey wrote: | | Not really the world's biggest surprise: Motorway services a rip-off , Shock Horror Probe!! |
Tomorrow's headline: "Water is really wet!"
_________________
Author: “To the Ends of the Earth: A Snapshot of Aviation in North-Eastern Siberia, Summer 1992”
(Free to read via Kindle Unlimited) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
RockitRon
Joined: 07 Dec 2006
Posts: 7646
|
| Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 10:06 am Post subject: |
|
|
| colby wrote: | What isn't explained, though, is that the operating costs of motorway-based retail operations is higher. Not only are the cost of franchises payable to the Transport department high, but the logical cost of supply is higher. And they're open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year (even if not all of each operation is).
I'm not condoning high prices but it should be considered in context.
|
All true, but they do take full advantage of their captive market, in the knowledge that 99% of the travelling public will pay whatever for the convenience. You can find much cheaper and better facilities not far from any motorway/trunk road junction, but that requires time and effort, and even if the passenger/navigator is willing to expend some of that, the driver, concentrating on getting from A to D as quickly as possible, usually isn't.
It does sound as though they have smartened most of the service areas and made them cheerier - the awfulness of 1970s Watford Gap and Strensham are still etched on my memory - and these days you can even satisfy your M&S or Waitrose withdrawal symptoms at some of them.
_________________
Ron |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Rachel
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 12:45 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| The trick with sevices is to get your money's worth- take some Marmite Sandwiches and a flask of coffee with you on your journey- stop in the service area for a rest, a sandwich and a drink - use the loos - laugh at all the stupid people paying through the nose for a plastic lunch then - carry on up the road. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
colby
Joined: 06 Feb 2009
Posts: 1216
|
| Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 1:31 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The grub you can get in the motorway M&S mini-stores is much better than the DIY "marmite sandwiches" alternative, in my opinion. Prices aren't than much higher than the two M&S stores I have locally and the quality's good.
_________________
(signature and avatar removed, violated forum Rule 2.) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Rachel
Guest
|
| Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 4:16 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| colby wrote: | | The grub you can get in the motorway M&S mini-stores is much better than the DIY "marmite sandwiches" alternative, in my opinion. Prices aren't than much higher than the two M&S stores I have locally and the quality's good. |
I was of course only joking - the trick is to go by train...
but if you’re happy with commercial bread stuffed full of additives, fat , salt and sugar, with processed fillings, supplied by the cheapest supplier, all put together in the back of an unhygienic portacabin in a disused car-lot in Liverpool, then presented in a global-warming plastic box with a “ Farm Fresh Gourmet Label” which of course makes them taste like you think they should, then fill your boots. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
colby
Joined: 06 Feb 2009
Posts: 1216
|
| Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 4:54 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Rachel wrote: | | I was of course only joking - the trick is to go by train... |
Which is fine if your primary destination is adjacent to, or within easy reach of, a rail station! Most places aren't, let's face it.
| Rachel wrote: | | ...but if you’re happy with commercial bread stuffed full of additives, fat , salt and sugar, with processed fillings, supplied by the cheapest supplier, all put together in the back of an unhygienic portacabin in a disused car-lot in Liverpool, then presented in a global-warming plastic box with a “ Farm Fresh Gourmet Label” which of course makes them taste like you think they should, then fill your boots. |
Being the kind of person who looks very carefully at ingredients (and has done for over 35 years) I tend to be a bit more selective than that. And, of course, it doesn't have to be sandwiches either.
_________________
(signature and avatar removed, violated forum Rule 2.) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mark occomore
Joined: 07 Dec 2006
Posts: 9955
Location: UK
|
| Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 5:15 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| colby wrote: | | The grub you can get in the motorway M&S mini-stores is much better than the DIY "marmite sandwiches" alternative, in my opinion. Prices aren't than much higher than the two M&S stores I have locally and the quality's good. |
I like marmite.  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
colby
Joined: 06 Feb 2009
Posts: 1216
|
| Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 5:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| mark occomore wrote: | | colby wrote: | | The grub you can get in the motorway M&S mini-stores is much better than the DIY "marmite sandwiches" alternative, in my opinion. Prices aren't than much higher than the two M&S stores I have locally and the quality's good. |
I like marmite. |
I'm very pleased for you Mark! 
_________________
(signature and avatar removed, violated forum Rule 2.) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mark occomore
Joined: 07 Dec 2006
Posts: 9955
Location: UK
|
| Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 5:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| colby wrote: | | mark occomore wrote: | | colby wrote: | | The grub you can get in the motorway M&S mini-stores is much better than the DIY "marmite sandwiches" alternative, in my opinion. Prices aren't than much higher than the two M&S stores I have locally and the quality's good. |
I like marmite. |
I'm very pleased for you Mark! |
I like marmite on scrambled egg. I'm sure motorway services would approve of this.  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
RockitRon
Joined: 07 Dec 2006
Posts: 7646
|
| Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 11:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| mark occomore wrote: |
I like marmite on scrambled egg. I'm sure motorway services would approve of this. |
Now there's a thought... Two slices of bread smeared with melted butter, and Marmite and a 5mm layer of cold scrambled egg, sealed in a flimsy plastic container 
I'm sure if there was proven demand they would supply them. Actually, I do like scrambled egg, in its rightful place as part of a cooked breakfast, but not cold. My wife is faintly addicted to Marmite, on toast.
On long journeys I take the DIY option, and usually avoid sandwiches, because they don't travel very well.
_________________
Ron |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Gnasty Gnome
Joined: 28 Jul 2007
Posts: 313
Location: West Wales
|
| Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 10:07 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| colby wrote: | What isn't explained, though, is that the operating costs of motorway-based retail operations is higher. Not only are the cost of franchises payable to the Transport department high, but the logical cost of supply is higher. And they're open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year (even if not all of each operation is).
|
How is the cost of supply higher? All the stuff comes in on lorries same as Tesco's supermarkets are; if anything it's easier to deliver to MSA's than high street shops.
As for the 24/7 argument; ditto Tesco's (well near as dammit) and they seem to do pretty well without ripping their customers off!
For the record; to park an HGV overnight at an MSA now costs over £20 per vehicle . This comes out of the operators bottom line, and for that price, the driver gets a parking space and a couple of quid discount on a breakfast. If he's lucky, he might get the chance to use a shower, that's if they're working and even then they're inevitably filthy. Most MSA's have one between up to 50 drivers; if that happened in a prison there'd be uproar.
The driver will then sleep in his cab, up to a quarter mile walk from the main area and therefore from toilet facilities. Since there is no guarantee of security patrolling, it is not unusual for him to wake up and find that either his diesel tank has been punctured and the contents stolen, or his trailer curtains have been slashed and the load damaged or stolen too. Drivers have been attacked and their vehicles hijacked in some cases.
As you'll all be aware, HGV drivers are bound by law to take a rest period. MSA's have designated areas for coaches, and woe betide the lorry driver who parks in one even if he's out of time and there's no more space available. Does he carry on and break the law( heavy fine and/or jail, and risk of losing operators licence) or pay the clamping fee of £250?
And you think YOU'RE being ripped off? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
colby
Joined: 06 Feb 2009
Posts: 1216
|
| Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 9:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Gnasty Gnome wrote: | For the record; to park an HGV overnight at an MSA now costs over £20 per vehicle . This comes out of the operators bottom line, and for that price, the driver gets a parking space and a couple of quid discount on a breakfast. If he's lucky, he might get the chance to use a shower, that's if they're working and even then they're inevitably filthy. Most MSA's have one between up to 50 drivers; if that happened in a prison there'd be uproar.
The driver will then sleep in his cab, up to a quarter mile walk from the main area and therefore from toilet facilities. Since there is no guarantee of security patrolling, it is not unusual for him to wake up and find that either his diesel tank has been punctured and the contents stolen, or his trailer curtains have been slashed and the load damaged or stolen too. Drivers have been attacked and their vehicles hijacked in some cases.
As you'll all be aware, HGV drivers are bound by law to take a rest period. MSA's have designated areas for coaches, and woe betide the lorry driver who parks in one even if he's out of time and there's no more space available. Does he carry on and break the law( heavy fine and/or jail, and risk of losing operators licence) or pay the clamping fee of £250? |
My brother in-law owns his own HGV company running 14 vehicles (with 4 of them currently laid up), and I've overnighted on some of his vehicles in MSAs many times in helping him out, so I don't really need the lecture thanks all the same.
| Gnasty Gnome wrote: | | And you think YOU'RE being ripped off? |
When did I say I was being ripped off at motorway service areas?
I didn't.
Thanks.
_________________
(signature and avatar removed, violated forum Rule 2.) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
RockitRon
Joined: 07 Dec 2006
Posts: 7646
|
| Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 10:23 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Well I for one found Gnasty Gnome's contribution to be informative and relevant to the discussion about motorway service areas, and directed to us all. I certainly did not read it as a lecture or aggressive reply to you personally, colby.
Please don't be so touchy
_________________
Ron |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
colby
Joined: 06 Feb 2009
Posts: 1216
|
| Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 10:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| RockitRon wrote: | Well I for one found Gnasty Gnome's contribution to be informative and relevant to the discussion about motorway service areas, and directed to us all. I certainly did not read it as a lecture or aggressive reply to you personally, colby.
Please don't be so touchy |
I'm not. I don't see what it has to to with grub in MSAs though.
However, I do like the Ciabatta rolls filled with rocket salad and feta cheese in M&S on the motorways. The wraps are nice, too. Much better than boring marmite sarnies, that's for sure!
_________________
(signature and avatar removed, violated forum Rule 2.) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Gnasty Gnome
Joined: 28 Jul 2007
Posts: 313
Location: West Wales
|
| Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 3:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Thank you Ron. My contribution was indeed intended to enlighten users of this board; I'm glad it was at least of use to yourself.
Colby, I'm sure your brother-in-law would find your support for expensive MSA prices very reassuring . As a driver yourself, you've obviously asked the question, "Do you think I'm a mind-reader?"
Neither am I. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
colby
Joined: 06 Feb 2009
Posts: 1216
|
| Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 3:49 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Gnasty Gnome wrote: | | Colby, I'm sure your brother-in-law would find your support for expensive MSA prices very reassuring . |
Not sure what that's got to do with anything, but the point I was making was that the prices of stuff in most of the Motorway M&S stores I've used isn't that much greater than those in the high-street stores near me. And if there's a difference, it's justifiable in my opinion..... but whatever.
| Gnasty Gnome wrote: | As a driver yourself, you've obviously asked the question, "Do you think I'm a mind-reader?"
Neither am I. |
I'm very impressed. Thank you.
_________________
(signature and avatar removed, violated forum Rule 2.) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mark occomore
Joined: 07 Dec 2006
Posts: 9955
Location: UK
|
| Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 6:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| colby wrote: | | RockitRon wrote: | Well I for one found Gnasty Gnome's contribution to be informative and relevant to the discussion about motorway service areas, and directed to us all. I certainly did not read it as a lecture or aggressive reply to you personally, colby.
Please don't be so touchy |
I'm not. I don't see what it has to to with grub in MSAs though.
However, I do like the Ciabatta rolls filled with rocket salad and feta cheese in M&S on the motorways. The wraps are nice, too. Much better than boring marmite sarnies, that's for sure! |
Do Motorway services only serve marmite sarnies? You obviously hate marmite? I can tell, you like posh nosh. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
colby
Joined: 06 Feb 2009
Posts: 1216
|
| Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 7:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| mark occomore wrote: | | Do Motorway services only serve marmite sarnies? You obviously hate marmite? I can tell, you like posh nosh. |
I don't hate Marmite. I use it in cooking. I just don't like Marmite sandwiches.
And I don't see how the sort of stuff I've mentioned above can really be considered "posh nosh" these days. Back in the 60s and early 70s maybe not not now. After all, you can get Ciabatta breads in Tesco, so that says it all really!
_________________
(signature and avatar removed, violated forum Rule 2.) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
MadeinSurrey
Joined: 11 Dec 2006
Posts: 3130
Location: The Beautiful South
|
| Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 7:16 am Post subject: |
|
|
You can get ciabatta in Iceland, too. Now THAT says it all!
_________________
MiS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lord Evan Elpuss
Joined: 10 Dec 2006
Posts: 3417
Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land
|
| Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 7:40 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Isn't Reykjavik a long (not to mention expensive) way to go for a ciabatta? I'm sure the must be somewhere a helluva lot more local! 
_________________
Lord Evan Elpuss, Your ideal job is a Lumberjack. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
MadeinSurrey
Joined: 11 Dec 2006
Posts: 3130
Location: The Beautiful South
|
| Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 7:09 am Post subject: |
|
|
Tee Hee!
_________________
MiS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
