Motorway service area facilities for caravanners

[nrdonnelly]

Dear All

Had an anecdotal discussion today with some industry folk about caravanners use of motorway service areas. They were aghast when I said that unless I'm really tired, I'll often press on, rather than pull into one. It was suggested that I was being reckless.

That's a bit harsh as if I'm really tired, I'll pull in but I try and avoid them if at all possible.

For a start, I am always very wary about leaving a van unattended but the facilities are generally pretty horrible anyway. And the fuel prices are always frightening.

What do everyone else do? Sometimes there is no choice to use them but do you avoid them or are there some particularly good ones which are worth seeking out if you are on a particular route? Love to know your thoughts...

Cheers

Nigel Donnelly

Editor

Practical Caravan

www.twitter.com/pcaravan

 

[joeby]

if i am on a long journey i try to use the Motoway services if i can get in them , most of the time we have park amongst the trucks as the caravan spaces are allways full of cars or vans even though there are plenty of spaces for cars in the car park , twice i have gone and got the services manager out , once i called the RAC about one of there vans in the caravan part , while the driver was filling his face in the cafeteria , another time in the south of France we parked in the lorry park when in came 2 british cars and parked side by side taking up 2 lorry bays , then i looked to my right and there was a man and a girl playing tennis in the lorry park even though there was a patch of grass they could have played on , and there was the british car near by , but i never leave the van unattended and i only stay for about half an hour , except in France where i sometimes stay the night

 

[Damian]

Most motorway services for caravans are absolutely useless.

As has been said, many times caravan spaces, if provoded at all, are used by cars, lorries, coaches, in fact anything but caravans.

There is well known problems with van security on service areas, as a lot of van owners have found to their cost over the years.

It is a problem regarding the charging tariffs imposed by the car parking managers, it is so out of order that they charge so much for a no facility parking slot, totally going against the Government adverts telling tired drivers to pull over and rest!!

Generally the facilities in the service areas leave a lot to be desired, but taking into account the high volume of customers it is almost understandable that they wil not be in pristine condition.

As for the food,,,,well,,,is it food??? the prices are ridiculous and the quality is dreadful.

When we have to stop we use the van facilities and the food which we know to be good and fresh (which we have in the van), and never leave the outfit unattended.

Having 4 dogs helps keep unwanted attention away from the van as one such chancer found when he came face to muzzle with my bullmastiff as he was taking extreme interest in the hitch.....not for long I may add, and not without a face full of barking dog slobber!!!

 

[ValA.]

We use the A1 a lot and tend to stop over at the bigger service areas, Peterborough, and Birchanger, and in desperation at the service area just before the Dartford crossing. The first two are OK, with decent caravan areas.

We don't bother about leaving the van unattended for the short time we are there, because our hitch lock is on. We don't actually buy food anywhere unless there is an M&S Simply Food, where we might buy sandwiches and fruit. We tend to eat in the caravan.

Maidstone Services is OK too, with room for several caravans, but the new 24 Hour services near Dover is dire, with no caravan area, and no facility to really park anywhere where you can exit easily without reversing.

In France we usually overnight at Aire de la Baie de Somme (which has a cul-de-sac area with turning area, bays for caravans with picnic tables and rubbish bins and grass verges). It has showers which are free to use, for the morning. It has a 'nature reserve' with canals, walkways and bridges, the biggest fish you have ever seen, and a bird-watching tower, so more like a campsite than a service area.

Another nice one is Aire des Deux Caps between Calais and Boulogne, which actually has metered bollards where you can hook up to electricity (and water if you have the facilities). Both these areas are visited regularly during the night by the Gendarmes on patrol.

Despite the hype around staying at services, we've been staying on them in France for probably 25 years, without any problems whatsoever. We just take sensible precautions, don't leave anything on view in the car, lock the caravan and put valuables away, but we've never had a hint of any problem.

 

[Steve L]

I avoid motorway services at all costs!!

The reasons are neumerous.

Cost a packet coffee.

No proper caravan parking areas.

High risk of damage to the van if I dare to use the truck park area.

Oil on the floor which not only is slippy when wet, but manages to track into the car and van on your feet no matter how cautious you are.

Then there is the speeding driver hazard.

I have much better luck at Mc D's or KFC. I wouldn't advise a novice doing this but just try going through the drive through with the van on the back. Subject to the height of your van of coarse. It makes their day !! ??.

There is a web site www.offthemotorway.com who guide you to all travel related facilities that are close to motorway exits.

This is a much better way to rest and relax on your journey.

Steve L.

 

[EmmanuelMuldoon]

I am surprised nobody has mentioned www.motorwayservicesforcaravans.co.uk

Perhaps a bit out of date, but usefull.

 

[Zafiral]

Nigel

I remember that Alyson (sorry if I have mis-splelt her name, but I am at work and my magazines are at home), wrote asking about experiences at service stations. Did you get any feedback that was positive, I doubt it.

Since we stated towing in 2006 I feel the situation has got much worse and during a recent trip down the M1 I had to go to three service stns (Northampton all the way to Toddington) before I could find anyway to park (and I ended up in the delivery enterance to the shop area). Totally unacceptable.

Last year we were travelling to Wales along the M4 and I pulled in to the marked Caravan area (shared with the HGVs of course) and needed fuel and from there I could only get to the HGV pumps which would not fit into a car and there was a 18" high concrete barrier separating the car area. I was left with a finger nail biting trip to the next service area. Towing my Civic only had a range of just over 220 miles so that was a heart stopping moment I could have done without.

In my opinion the best (or do I mean least bad) two service stations are Fleet on the M3 and the one just past Southampton on the M27 heading east. Fortunately these will both be possible for our trip this year to New Forest.

Sorry rant over

Alan

 

[Guest]

UK motorway services seem to be gear'd for one thing only.

Extracting as much money as possible from the users!

I knew somebody who dealt with the setting up of the service areas. The money involved and the charges to the operator were a disgrace and probably much worse now.

The service areas have a constant passing trade that need to stop at times.

Meals in cafeteria areas are crap and often look as though they've been there longer than the workers at the end of their shift. FRESH and freshly cooked food seems to be an alien concept.

The M20 services going towards Dover even lack decent caravan and motohome parking, who was the genius who planned that?

Is it to much to ask for toilets alongside the Truck parking areas or do all of them have to smell like urinals.

When visiting the UK we try and avoid M'way service areas. At home we often stop over with the caravan on French and other service areas. Going to Sweden we had very good meals in France and Germany.

Why are there no basic picnic stop areas on UK motorway networks like the Aires in France. Just a stop with toilets and picnic benches. I assume it's because there is no money to be made from them, but the cost is cheaper than clearing motorway accidents!

On our french stops some have ball and play areas for kids to have a kick around. There are also picnic areas and the open air 'Fine Mist Showers' that are free and there for people to cool off on hot days. Of course many here know services like Baie de la Somme that have dedicated stop over parking for caravans and campers. Well out of the way of trucks and noise as well.

For many years we used a Total truck stop south of Rouen on our travels. Fresh steaks cooked in front of you and fries with good fresh salad and fresh ground coffee for about the same as a McDonalds meal. French Routier cafes truck stops have also served many good meals. If others can provide food and good service and free parking without completely ripping off motorists why can't the UK.

ps. We've stopped at Fleet services many times on both sides of the M3. It always looks grubby and shabby and uncared for, when the caravan area is full you have to use the large truck area that always seems to have plenty of space.

But that area smells like and uncleaned toilet as well.

 

[Zafiral]

Euro - granted Fleet Services are far far worse than any of the nes I have stopped at in France, but I was able to park (in lorry area granted) and then still access fuel pumps suitable for cars, granted it is worrying that those two fundamental features are rare and noteworthy!!!

 

[LadyMo]

Hi Nigel,

We only pull into service areas when we need a toilet stop BUT never leave our van unattended and prefer to use the facilities in the van.

Gretna Services in Scotland has a dedicated caravan parking area which is well sign posted and has room for approx.8+ vans.Quite often there are lorries parked in there as well,which is infuriating.I did complain to the manager on one occasion but he made it very clear that he wasn't too interested.I then wrote to Welcome Services head office but never had the courtesy of a reply.

As some have already said.....why can't we have some rest areas copying the French?

 

[Zafiral]

Maureen

As you are paying to use most of the French motorways in the first place, there is more money floating around the system than in the UK. Also France has less pressure on land space than the UK so land costs are lower.

 

[joeby]

We use the A1 a lot and tend to stop over at the bigger service areas, Peterborough, and Birchanger, and in desperation at the service area just before the Dartford crossing. The first two are OK, with decent caravan areas.

We don't bother about leaving the van unattended for the short time we are there, because our hitch lock is on. We don't actually buy food anywhere unless there is an M&S Simply Food, where we might buy sandwiches and fruit. We tend to eat in the caravan.

Maidstone Services is OK too, with room for several caravans, but the new 24 Hour services near Dover is dire, with no caravan area, and no facility to really park anywhere where you can exit easily without reversing.

In France we usually overnight at Aire de la Baie de Somme (which has a cul-de-sac area with turning area, bays for caravans with picnic tables and rubbish bins and grass verges). It has showers which are free to use, for the morning. It has a 'nature reserve' with canals, walkways and bridges, the biggest fish you have ever seen, and a bird-watching tower, so more like a campsite than a service area.

Another nice one is Aire des Deux Caps between Calais and Boulogne, which actually has metered bollards where you can hook up to electricity (and water if you have the facilities). Both these areas are visited regularly during the night by the Gendarmes on patrol.

Despite the hype around staying at services, we've been staying on them in France for probably 25 years, without any problems whatsoever. We just take sensible precautions, don't leave anything on view in the car, lock the caravan and put valuables away, but we've never had a hint of any problem.

Thanks Val A and euro for listing those Aires they sound really nice , i googled the Aire de la Baie somme , it looked really nice i shall get my fishing rods out when i stop , any more nice ones put them on

 

[marie_374410845]

Maureen

As you are paying to use most of the French motorways in the first place, there is more money floating around the system than in the UK. Also France has less pressure on land space than the UK so land costs are lower.

Persoanlly I feel that, regardless of the condtion of the services, prices etc, you should plan in frequent rest stops along your journey, towing puts more stress on the driver, the journeys take longer and demand more concentration and you should schedule stops in accordingly. Even if it is just to stop and take in some fresh air for 10 minutes.

Driver fatigue on the roads casues accidents, even if you dont 'feel tired, you could make a silly mistake if you have not had a rest.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Zafiral]

Marie

I agree with you you should be able to break your journeys up, but on my two most recent long distance journeys, the services were the most stressful part of the journey and even once I eventually got parked I was hardly able to relax.

 

[Guest]

There is more road use on UK motorways than French and the UK has more vehicles per head. UKtax's more than cover the cost of a few beeter services.

The people who divvy up the motorway services make millions on deals for new services. The UK system is wrong! A lot of land to the side of UK motorways comes as a package when they buy up the land before they build so it is owned by the Highways Autority and left barren when it coul be used as picnic areas.

Drive along most UK motorways and you see empty farmmers fields. I'm sure paying a farmer the per acre yeild revenue and using ity as Picnic areas with trees would be a good deal for many of them.

Dare I say that I was told that travellers are one concern in the UK. If they set up camp on a UK motorway Picnic and Toilet stop it would scare everyone else (no reason why of course) away and take the authorities forever and a day to move them on. In France that just would not happen.

 

[Chrisbee]

The posts on this subject show exactly why services owners will never spend money on caravan parking areas. Most caravaners only use the toilet facilities, prefering to cater for themselves in their 'van. The parking of an outfit uses at least the area of 2 car parking spaces. Caravans are seen as a cost rather than a food/drinks sale to the site operators who after all are in the business of making a profit on their investment.

 

[Guest]

"Most caravaners only use the toilet facilities"

How about truck drivers, some only use the parking area as a toilet and many cook, eat and brew up in their cabs and the take up three or four car parking places.

Some caravannners eat and drink in their caravans, but like lorry drivers more would eat and drink at the services if the prices were not 5* and the food 1*.

It may be OK of you want a burger or kentucky as the're much the same anywhere but again the prices are inflated.

Many car users just use the toilets and leave without spending as well.

 

[Chrisbee]

Most truck drivers only use the services for their statuary breaks, 3/4 hour or for their daily rest period. If it's the latter they pay a high 'overnight' parking charge and tend to spend at least some money although with the parking fee comes food vouchers in most cases.

Don't get me wrong, I think the services are terrible and try not to use them in this country. I was only giving my slant on why I believe the caravan parking will not improve.

 

[SirRogerFFS]

I must be the odd one out here as we tend to use the A14 quite alot and always stop for break at Cambridge Services .

Only once have I problems with or outfit on this site

Always stop for breakfast as well ,the good thing here is that you can see your outfit IF positioned right

Sir Roger

 

[WatsonJohnG]

A few months ago I posted about parking at Hilton Park and the signs saying that if you were not a coach you were on number plate recognition cameras and would be finesd

 

[LadyMo]

Our caravanning friends pulled into a service area where they were next to a foreign truck.The driver opened his door and proceeded to pee in front of them !!!

Friend shouted what a dirty B..... he was,but no doubt he would pretend to not speak English!!!

 

[trevgib]

Hi its a prime case of rip off Britain on Motorway Services. I have never understood why they charge so much. If they used the same sense as in Europe they would have more people using them with better facilities and normal prices. In all my years I have never known a single one to cater for Caravans.

Trev

 

[Powderblue]

We pulled onto some motorway services last year which was combined lorry/caravan parking. The area absoloutly stunk of urine from lorry drivers using it as toilets instead of using the facilities. I'm not against lorry drivers- they do a grand job - but it's disgusting, unhealthy, and not necessary. Wonder what they would say if people started peeing in their drive!!!

 

[nrdonnelly]

Dear All

Thanks for the responses. Reassured that it's not just me that finds them such grim places!

Tibshelf is one of my least favourites, but I crashed my van at Fleet in December 07 trying to escape from the congested petrol station so that is another least favourite..

I don't expect a fully serviced pitch or anything. Just an area that can be easily accessed, has some level of security and isn't 1/2 mile from the main building. I don't mind being near the lorry area, but caravans should at least be nearer to the building than trucks, so that familes don't have to navigate between the trucks when trying to get across to the toilets / restaurant.

If anyone gets a snap or something particularly impressive or appalling when touring next time, please email or post it in. I think we need to start identifying which do well and which need to pull their socks up...

Nigel Donnelly

Editor

Practical Caravan

www.twitter.com/pcaravan

nigel@practicalcaravan.com

 

[Mel]

Come on Nigel, get your PC journalists to do some Watch Dog style interviewing and get the managers of services to squirm and explain why facilities are so cr~p for caravans. Lets have some naming and shaming, gory photographs, some league tables and generally a big hoo-ha. The media run this country, so why shouldn't PC get some teeth and do some lobbying and campaigning. If the Daily Express can cause a near constitutional crisis with MPs expenses surely PC can do something about motorway services.

Looking forward to the feature.

mel