Motorists are paying up to 25p per litre more to fill up their petrol and diesel vehicles at these petrol stations, according to a new study by the AA. The breakdown experts claim fuel at motorway service stations can be up to 25p a litre more expensive than at pumps located just a few miles away from the motorway.
Fuel has typically been more expensive at motorway service stations due to limited competition compared to other sites. Motorists on longer journeys feel they have no choice but to pay the higher rates, not realising cheaper pumps may be located just minutes down the road. Motorway service station fuel fees have left motorists’ frustrated, with a new poll showing over three-quarters find fees “unacceptable”.
Jack Cousens, AA head of roads policy said drivers were being “held to ransom” over the high cost of motorway fuel fees.
He said: “Motorway Service Areas can play an important role in reducing drowsy driving, but many are inclined to ‘drive on’ when they consider the cost of stopping at one.
“Drivers could be forgiven for feeling held to ransom over the cost of fuel and food when they are readily available at a fraction of the cost a short distance away from the motorway.”
A new poll has found that three-quarters (77%) of respondents believe the price of fuel at motorway service areas were unacceptable.
However, the AA stresses that the Government’s Fuel Finder scheme will likely reveal more competitive sites and give road users choice.
It’s not just fuel that motorists are concerned about with just 8% of road users claiming that prices in shops at MSAs are reasonable.
Meanwhile, only 9% of those studied said they believed the price of food and drink at sites was also charged fairly.
However, the AA stressed that some of the extra cost can be put down to the additional running costs of motorway service stations.
These sites are often open for 24 hours and incur higher staffing costs than petrol stations located elsewhere.
The survey received 13,775 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 11th to 19th February 2025.
Electric drivers were also annoyed with just 15% of those polled saying that there were sufficient charging points.
Jack added: “Installing playgrounds, dog walking areas, and refurbishing their overall appearance have been good investments to cater for the wide range of visitors.
“But more could be done to enhance the experience such as installing more charge points for EV drivers.”
