Aires de service

Rupert · Post by **Rupert** » Thu Oct 11, 2001 23:23

Is it just me, or do other people think we ought to have Continental-style 'aires de service' every 10-15 miles on English motorways? It's all very well to have overpriced, overcrowded services every 50 miles, but all the 'Take a break' publicity is a bit pointless if there isn't anywhere for drivers just to stop and have a rest. (The official line, that you should 'pull off the motorway and find a safe place to stop', seems to be rather a feeble substitute.) All primary routes have segregated parking areas of various sorts, and some (the A11 and A303spring to mind) actually have proper car park/picnic area arrangements like in France. Rant rant rant.

Chris5156 · Post by **Chris5156** » Sun Oct 14, 2001 21:43

Absolutely, totally, unquestioningly, wholeheartedly agreed. The only argument against is the cost of land and construction. It's a wonderful idea. It wouldn't need much maintenence or facilities, just a small parking area, an open grassy area, a couple of picnic tables and some bins. Send a lorry round every week or so to empty the bins and whip round with a broom. Simple as that.

Pagan_Brad · Post by **Pagan_Brad** » Mon Nov 12, 2001 06:54

A corking idea - but would probably end up as a scary HGV overnight parking site. Also, the horrible "Services" that infest our motorways are now so endemic that people are used to paying ridiculous amounts of cash for crappy nosh.
Furthermore, notice how the Take a Break signs are always two miles from the Services. The idea of taking a break in any other way than to give the franchises buckets of cash is not taken into account in any way whatsoever. Have a look next time you are unfortunate enough to end up there. Even having a kip in the car is made unpleasant by locating the car park adjacent to the carriageways...
Rant rant rant also...

Chris5156 · Post by **Chris5156** » Fri Nov 16, 2001 22:41

The 'Tiredness can Kill" signs are placed by the government, not the service areas, so they aren't profit driven. They could really be put anywhere, and for a while they were (see the ones at the bottom end of the M5) but recently they've only been placed just before services to make sure people aren't stopping on the hard shoulder for a nap or pulling off and parking at junctions.
Chris