I used to love stopping at motorway service stations as a kid. Some of that notion lingered on, via romantic nostalgia in me as an adult too. Well this place has cured me of that notion entirely! It is the result of my experience at this station that I will actively avoid ALL Moto services from now on. The vision of Motorway Services providing service to motorway users is long lost - drivers unfortunate enough to need to stop here are simply punters, marks, prey. Frankly, I would rather risk falling asleep at the wheel than let these shysters gouge another penny out of me.
Added in response to the reply below: I'm not upset by the prices your concessions operators charge: it's perfectly obvious that they have to charge more because of the rent you charge them. No, I'm really bloody annoyed that, driving late at night, I felt tired and did the sensible thing of pulling into your services for a rest. I dozed in the car for a while, a little over an hour, then went in to the loo and bought a coffee (there's never any hot food available after 9PM!). By the time I left, I was past your allotted 2hrs wait time and was hit with a Parking Penalty Charge. I travel extensively across Europe regularly - there is not another country in Europe that has the audacity to gouge motorists for such ridiculous fees for doing the sensible, responsible thing in having rest when driving late at night - what, after all, are rest stations for? You hardly need to manage demand since it was after midnight and the carpark was virtually empty. You are simply taking advantage exploitatively. I suggest these exploitative policies you engage in will contribute to road accidents but hey, who's going to prove anything and what do you care? So I'll say it again: I will actively avoid ALL Moto services from now on and take pleasure in knowing that you will lose more revenue each year, that I would otherwise have spent, than you gained by ripping me off by penalizing me for sensibly taking a rest and having a coffee. That said, my money has been going to franchises such as Costa, M&S and WHSmith’s and they'll be the ones to lose out as a result of your greed but again, what do you care huh? Your policies are sickening but hey, between the likes of you and the debacle of 'smart' motorways, I dread coming home and having to drive in the UK now and when I do, can't wait to get back to the continent, where it's all a bit...
Read moreI recently had the opportunity to visit this motorway service during a long road trip, and overall, I was quite impressed. Here's a breakdown of my experience:
Location (4/5): The services are conveniently located right off the motorway, making it easy to access for travellers on the go. The signage was clear, so you can't miss it.
Facilities (4/5): The services offer a range of facilities, including clean restrooms, a well-maintained petrol station, and a variety of food options. There's something for everyone, from fast food joints to healthier choices.
Food Options (3/5): While the food options were diverse, I found the prices to be a bit on the higher side. However, the quality of the food was decent, and it's a suitable stop if you're hungry and need a quick meal.
Cleanliness (5/5): I was pleased to see that the entire area, including the restrooms, was exceptionally clean. This is always a big plus when you're on a long journey.
Service (4/5): The staff were friendly and efficient, ensuring a smooth and quick stopover.
Parking (4/5): The parking area was spacious, and I had no trouble finding a spot for my car. It felt secure and well-lit.
Amenities (3/5): While the basics are covered, I would have appreciated more seating options and perhaps some recreational amenities to stretch one's legs and relax during a long drive.
In conclusion, this motorway service is a solid choice for a quick stop during your journey. It's clean, convenient, and has the essentials you need. However, it could improve by offering more affordable food options and additional amenities for travellers looking to take a break...
Read moreI’m writing to express my disappointment with the HGV parking conditions at Moto Reading Services during my stay on 23rd July 2025.
While the parking area is equipped with lighting, I noticed that most of the lights were turned off overnight, leaving the area poorly lit. This created a dark and uncomfortable environment, raising serious concerns about safety and security for both drivers and vehicles.
If this is an attempt to save energy, it’s deeply disappointing — especially considering that £33 is charged per lorry per night. Safety should be the top priority, and it’s unacceptable to cut corners in this way when drivers are paying a premium to park.
I strongly urge Moto to keep all lighting operational throughout the night in the HGV area. Drivers deserve a secure, well-lit...
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