MOTORISTS can take comfort from a comfort break on the M4 after the Reading East services were voted as one of the best in the country.
Independent watchdog Transport Focus spoke to more than 30,000 visitors at 120 motorway services in Great Britain.
They sought views on the toilets, customer service, value of the food and drink and electric vehicle charging facilities.
This is the sixth year of the survey and, on average, 94% of visitors were satisfied with their visit, up 1% on last year.
Moto’s Rugby in Warwickshire was awarded the best-rated motorway services with 100% of visitors satisfied – it is the newest site in the country and rated highly for its food and drink, toilets and friendly staff.
Moto Reading East has come eighth with a satisfaction rate of 99%, while Moto Reading West has come 15th, with a satisfaction rate of 97%.
At the bottom of the pile was Welcome Break’s Hartshead Moor East on the M62, rating just 84%. However, its score will be affected by refurbishment works meaning portable toilets were in use at the time.
Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “Our survey shows motorway services offer a great experience with friendly and helpful staff and provide drivers with the opportunity to rest, relax and take a break before continuing their journey. But there is still room for improvement, including making sure the range of food and drink on offer is good value for money for visitors as cost of living increases continue to bite.”
Ken McMeikan, Moto’s chief executive, said he was “absolutely delighted” with the Reading East services top 10 placement.
“At Moto we are setting out to transform the UK’s rest stop experience through accelerated roll-out of ultra-rapid EV chargers, upgraded shower facilities for HGV Drivers, ultra-fast wi-fi for commuters, rolling out changing places for those with limited accessibility and the major refurbishments of our toilets and baby changing facilities for all.
“It’s fantastic recognition that the Motorway Services Industry as a whole are scoring an average of 94% customer satisfaction, up from 88% in 2017, when the first survey was completed.”
