News & Features
We Would Like to Hear About Your Experiences of Using Motorway Service Stations
Posted in General News on Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023
Disabled Motoring UK and National Highways would like to hear about your positive and negative experiences of using motorway service stations.
We are keen to find out what is working well and what could be improved for disabled motorists. If you would like to share your experiences, please leave a comment below or email us on info@disabledmotoring.org. You may like mention the accessibility of the service station, for example, or your experiences of refuelling.
We have decided not to use a survey in this instance because they can be limiting, this way you can share specific experiences with us with as much detail as you wish. Please be aware all comments are moderated before being shown on our website, but all appropriate feedback will be shared with National Highways.
We would like to thank you in advance for your feedback.
Comments (81)Leave a reply
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Comments
Hanora Crowley
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
The toilets are usually a long way from the entrance. This can mean that someone has to unload their wheelchair rather than manage on crutches . It can also be a pain (literally) for non wheelchair users. One notable service station for this is Clackett Lane where a chicane of barriers makes the painful walk much worse. Whilst I understand the retailer's desire to have customers pass as many shops as possible this verges on discrimination against disabled people who are made to suffer. The use of Radar keys is good labelling needs to state where disabled people who don't possess one can borrow one from - together with an information leaflet on obtaining their own. More services need changing places toilets for the most severely disabled. Separate nappy changing rooms could avoid some distressing 'accidents' because the room is in use for some time. Many disabled toilets could do with lock repairs
Mick Newton
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
My experience at service stations on the M1/ M4. Leves a lot to be desired poor Disabled parking with the bay being used by none badge holders poor access at the pumps.
Mary
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
Still far too many service stations have inaccessible "accessible" toilets, some used as store rooms, some filthy and with out enough turning space for electric wheelchairs inside. When I complained to one station, was told "just find the manager". Well if you have severe continence problems and need the loo urgently, this is just far from helpful - how are you meant to know where the manager is?
John R Stoker
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
I have used motorway services over a number of years and I find them quite good for a traveller to stop and have a break, the only thing that I can think of that lets them down is the high cost of refreshment for travellers, being on the motorway people are forced to pay these high prices for refreshment or do without or take there own with them
Gerald Levy
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
Apart from finding a parking space (blue badge bays are often abused by non blue badge drivers), over-all my experience has been ok. I had a problem getting fuel on one occasion at Watford Gap as attendants don't apparently "have to help disabled drivers" ! One suggestion, police blue bagde bays.
Gerald Levy
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
Abuse of blue badge bays and no policing of blue badge bays
Karen Wooding
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
The toilets are always a long distance from the Disabled parking
Lou
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
I avoid service stations that don’t have drive through. If I’m on my own or with elderly mum I can’t get around as no one to push my wheelchair. Toilets are ALWAYS right at the back, disabled anlways coupled with baby changing which is not right. I can’t hold when I need to go. Can’t wait for a nappy change and mum/dad using loo and doing whatever. I can manage to walk about 20yds which isn’t far enough. Sometimes I can manage to get to the toilets in the petrol station. Frankly motorway service stations are NOT disabled friendly.
Gillian Chalk
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
Unacessable disabled toilets unless you go ask in a store on site for the key. Too long a walk on crutches from disabled bays if free. Some are even upstairs or downstairs with out of order lifts. Not enough room at checkouts or eating areas. Clackett lane is useless.
Lou
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
Also finding that as anyone can purchase a radar key now, non disabled are using the keys to access disabled toilets
Russell Barlow
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
The usual issues really, non badge holders, large vans, using blue badge bays, toilets being a long way from the entrance, I understand the desire to have people pass the shops but for disabled individuals this makes life very difficult and often very painful. Finally the disabled facilities often have boxes stored in them making manovering very difficult.
Geofrey Guthrie
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
Did not find a problem with motorway parking most where helpful if you had any problems
Stuart Tiplady
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
Sorry but main comment has to be about the Toilets, why are they always hidden in the furthest way possible from the entrance? A Diasbled toilet controlled by a Radar Key close to entrance would be great for those of us who are always in desperate need due to medical problems. Forget the sales pitch and think of us first. Can I add worst experience on an M6 Service site, tried to tell a lady in a non EV car they had parked on a charge site, had a Blue Badge waived in my face and barage of bad language!!!
Mr S R Jackson
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
Some of the motorway services are fantastic, but there is one or two when you come to use the disabled toilets you can’t use them they are out of order! in fact, they have questioned my disability which I think is disgusting
Derek
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
My main experiences of service stations are blue badge spaces and access to toilets At most service stations I have been to, many blue badge spaces are filled with cars displaying no badge and in one case a commercial van. Most often, there is no one to ask about this - all staff are employed by various outlet stores and to quote, ‘not their problem’. On the rare occasions I’ve seen a service station employee.ie, a cleaner, when asked, their quote is ‘we don’t have the resource to check’ Secondly access to toilets. Invariably disabled toilets are out of order andacess to other facilities are often difficult to access. I walk with crutches and I find toilet floors in service stations invariably wet and slippy
Belinda
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
Disabled spaces abused by non blue badge holders Toilets often not clean Toilets some distance from entrance I won't use for refreshments as cannot carry tray/cup due to using mobility aids
Belinda
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
Disabled spaces abused by non blue badge holders Toilets often not clean Toilets some distance from entrance I won't use for refreshments as cannot carry tray/cup due to using mobility aids
Andy Hollingbery
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
Disabled bays are usually accessible and not abused. However the toilets themselves are usually locked and cannot be opened with the radar key. If they can be opened, the instructions are not made clear as I have yet to successfully use one of the toilets.
Teresa Shaw
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
Accessible toilets are not clean and abused by non disabled, not enough disabled parking and again abused by non disabled. I have used most motorway services and not much different from each other. Why are accessible toilets so far away from the entrance this causes distress and discomfort if you can’t get there quick enough.
Robin Hale
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
Most service stations have a fundamentally poor layout, in that the toilets are located at the farthest point from the entrance. Access to the Radar key for the disabled toilets is not always arranged sympathetically. Some service stations facilities are only available on one side the motorway, requiring a long and difficult walk up and down stairs and over a footbridge, or breaking out the wheelchair/scooter, and finding a lift. Other stations have the facilities located on the overbridge, again requiring trips upstairs. The lifts to access some facilities at some stations are not adequately signed, or readily accessible. Adequate enforcement of parking regulations to prevent non-blue-badge holders using disabled spaces.
Jeffrey Povey
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
I have not used a motorway service station for years ! IF I need to stop, I pull off the motorway and use local facilities, rather than pay inflated prices at a motorway service station !
Adrian Harris
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
In most instances, we would only use a Motorway Service Area only for a brief comfort stop, and very occasionally have a cup of tea and snack. The extortionate prices charged mean we stay for as short a time as is possible! Generally, facilities are clean, some toilets are more accessible than others although finding a key holder can sometimes be frustrating as there so many part time workers (eg, students) who do not know who or where to ask.
Jayne Robinson
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
I find that the disabled toilets are always so far away from the entrance. I feel it would be very beneficial for a disabled facility to be situated by the entrance.
Haydn Jenkins
Wednesday, November, 22nd, 2023
I've used several motorway services over the last few month, and in almost everyone, the toilets seem to be located just about as far away from the doorway as possible, I'm not a wheelchair user, as I have incomplete spinal injury and walk with sticks, often there is nothing further away from the door than the toilets! I understand your retail clients want footfall past their units but really really annoying and PAINFULL having to walk so far particularly after 1 or 2 hours driving. at one service station I was told if I wanted the toilets , they were over a skybridge to opposite carriageway. then I said about disabled toilets, yes there was a toilet but needed the key kept in a unit near the entrance, since then I carry a RADAR Key .
Deon
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
Probably more than 90% of motorway services have the toilets beyond all the outlets. We the disabled are then forced to fight our way through the crowds in order to reach them. I have enough difficulty just walking on my prosthetic leg through cwowds, so wheelchair users must see red. It is a huge hindrance to me, and no doubt, the able bodied too, as most of them walk head's up, eyes fixed firmly ahead, therefore not seing a wheelchair, let alone a prosthetic leg. I wonder how many have stumbled over wheelchairs, bruising shins, and the indignity of it all.
Alex Crawley
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
Apart from very expensive fuel. I've found the services accessible, if there is a disabled parking space. I've even found showers in a couple. Like most food outlets, you have to ask for help. I,use 2 walking sticks, and they can see I'd struggle with a tray, but unless you ask, they rarely help. Or someone in the queue, will help, which nice. My, bugbear is that food delivery drivers, park near the food outlet, which usually means a disabled parking space. I have confronted the drivers, who just say, "we won't be long."
JOHN SPERRING
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
The DISABLED PARKING BAYS ARE OFTEN USED BY CARS WITHOUT A BLUE BADGE. ENFORCEMENT IS REQUIRED
Peter Gunn
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
They are dreadful. Many disabled spaces are taken by non badge holders. Amenities are few considering the numbers of people who need to use disabled toilets.
Joan watts
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
On the whole not too bad ,more spaces need to be made available in some services, and they too expensive, . I don't see why this should be, toilets need to bee nearer the entrance, also toilets for disabled need to be more of them. Motability on the outside is quite poor as using a scooter or rollator is quite difficult
David Adshead
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
As a person who suffers from pain and difficulty walking, I want to know WHY the toilet facilities including accessible ones are always placed in the least accessible corner of the building, Is it to make you walk past Costa, WH Smith and Greggs to tempt you to buy from them, if so that is extremely cynical and the government should make planners place ALL toilet facilities as cloce to the entrance as is practical.
Alison
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
The disabled toilets can be miles from the entrance but are usually fairly well maintained. There are plenty of disabled parking spaces but having recently been to France I want what they have. EV charging blue badge parking spaces right by the entrance... perfect!
Charles Mills
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
I avoid most motorway service areas as the toilet facilities are not very good. Most are small and have waste bins down the sides making transfer difficult even when the bins are removed. Newer services tend to have larger toilets making life easier.
Daphne Rose
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
It would be very good to put a disabled toilet near the entrance. The loos are always at the furthest point away because they want you to shop Some service seemed to have reduced the blue badge parking spaces and put EV charging points there instead.
Charles Leach
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
We live in the wilderness of North Wales and we are not near any motorway services. However, we used to stop at Charnock Richard (M6 northbound) on our way to Cumbria and the Lake District; these visits ceased in 2019 for a number of reasons. At Charnock Richard, we usually managed to secure a parking bay for the disabled. The toilets were situated near the entrance and all the areas we required were on the level. The facilities were all clean and tidy. At the time, it was not necessary to use the RADAR key. Here's hoping that the facilities are still of a good standard.
julian sims
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
terrable not easy to get help with filling up ...put hazzard lights on as often requested on pumps for help and just ignored...
Ian Wignall
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
A common complaint - disabled toilets are too far from entrances. I know its a shopping ploy but when I need to go its not after I've had a look round Smiths or bought a pie at Greggs. Another major complaint especially here in Kent is that non blue badge holders think its OK to park in a disabled bay because "its only for a few minutes" Wish my mobility problems were only for a few minutes.....
Alan James Taylor
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
More effort to be made in hygiene and site cleanliness.
James Sessions
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
Very difficult for disabled people. As no consideration has been given to people with reduced mobility. As toilets are as far as is possible from the entrance
Paula Gillen
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
Disabled bathroom smell nasty and not clean. Not enough room to get wheelchair to get into little shops and prices way, way to high. I try not to stop if I can help it!
Andrew Ebben
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
M8 eastbound. Stopped to charge an electric car. The charge points are on a raised platform and difficult to use from a wheelchair. The display screens were small and faced the sun with no shielding. An illogical position for the equipment and no thought given to wheelchair users or others with limited mobility.
Tania O'Neill
Thursday, November, 23rd, 2023
No one ever polices the blue badge bays so it's very rare that I ever get a space in one. If and when I do, the toilets are far away through long food queues which are hard to get through as I become "invisible" in my wheelchair. The accessible toilets are rarely locked as they are often combine with baby changing which means they are overflowing with nappies and absolutely reek. GIven that so many of us are immunocomprimised, this is not a safe environment to be in. Its not like there isn't plenty of room for both.
Brian Clifford
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
Do not use many service areas but find in general they are exorbitantly expensive and prefer to find a pub or restaurant just off the motorway. Those I have used ie Fleet, Hants and Winchester have found reasonably accessible for Disabled drivers. Both have improved in recent years except on high days and holidays when they become rediculously crowded. We need more services on M25 especially on western side between Chobham and South Mimms.
Russell Reed
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
Toilets are a long way from entrance. Very difficult to walk to. Also most have no radar keys which means everyone uses them. Also often combined with baby changing facilities which causes stress. Spending long time to use toilet because babies are being changed. Should be separate facilities. Very stressful indeed.
Daphne Rose
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
It would be very good to put a disabled toilet near the entrance. The loos are always at the furthest point away because they want you to shop Some service seemed to have reduced the blue badge parking spaces and put EV charging points there instead.
Vajragupta Hayes
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
I have found motorway services to be very good, especially when compared to some A road services. They generally have more than one disabled toilet which is usually in a clean condition. The staff are helpful. At Corley Services, the staff in Starbucks have, on occasion, even carried a drink all the way out to my car for me. I think it would be helpful if there was a notice close to disabled toilets asking people to only use them if they need that help. Sometimes I've had to wait a while and I'm not able to stand up for more than a few minutes. However, that's down to public awareness rather than the services themselves.
Vajragupta Hayes
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
I've just read some of the other comments and some of them apply to services in general rather than motorway services. Motorway services generally have a lot of parking for disabled, as close to the door as possible. However, I never use 'A' road services as they are pretty bad: Not enough disabled parking; filthy toilets which are dangerous and not enough room.
Dr Lush
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
These days I use motorway services less and less. No longer allowed to drive and dependant upon a carer to travel any distance. The biggest problem is parking. In particular the adopted attitude of many that it is permissible to replace disabled bays with electric car charge points because they need to be near the building. This is sometimes justified by relocating the disabled bay to the back of the car park. The abuse of disabled bays by other motorists remains a big problem everywhere. I believe there should be a statutory requirement to provide a minimum percentage of bays in any car park. As blue badges now seem to be issued to anyone (not just those physically disabled) the policing also needs to be increased.
Paul Brice-Bullows
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
I have only used one and it was so poor I wouldnt use any of them now. The one i used was on the M4 in Wales, the access was awful up a lot of steps, totally unsuitable for disabled people and no blue badge parking places, absolutely soul destroying. The toilets were too far from the front door and no thought put into disabled needs whatsoever, a national disgrace I would say. I would never stop at one again.
Carolyn Saunders
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
I try to avoid motorway service stations at all times. The petrol/diesel prices are much higher and the charging points often seen to be unavailable. Added to that, the one I have used puts the toilets at the far end of the shopping/food outlets which makes it very difficult for those of us who have limited mobility. I am not a fan of the offerings in terms of food and drink but that s not just a problem with the service areas.
Linda Bunting
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
Not had a problem with disabled bay parking, sometimes have to use a lift to access toilets which are on the lower floor - this can cause problems when there is a lift issue, and for some reason disabled toilets always seem to be the ones with broken/ damaged/ dirty facilities. often the accessible toilet is a dual function with baby changing room but also find ‘out of order’ accessible toilets quite frequently’ no space in using regular toilets it is like being in a broom cupboard so narrow with no mobility room and I am not a wheelchair user but am mobility impaired.
Nigel Blair
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
As my wife & I live in Northern Ireland we have little experience off the English Motorway Services, but what experience we have when travelling from Birkenhead Stena Port to Newport South Wales when we travel to see friends & family, When we travel we always do so during the middle off the week as it means that we do not have all the weekend travel & families creating large numbers of people which can result in long queue’s waiting to get to use the very low number off disabled toilets that are at motorway services which when you have mobility issues which make standing very uncomfortable & sore on your legs etc, We only use the services in an emergency as we usually try to find places off the motorway using the various publications that are available detailing all the facilities within a low mileage radius off motorway junctions. By going off motorway we usually find that the facilities are much more disabled friendly & much quieter to relax for refreshments, it may take longer to get to our destination but it is more relaxing & enjoyable & gone are the days for speeding from A to B & we arrive not feeling so tired, when we have to use motorway services we always look out for services which have M&S stores to get carry out food to eat in our car again to pull off the motorway & eat at our leisure..
Jeffrey Green
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
I avoid using motorway services because of the inflated cost of fuel. On the rare occasions that we have eaten there the food has been OK but not great and a bit pricey too. On a long drive it is convenient to use them and that is the only positive I can think of.
Linda Bunting
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
Not had a problem with disabled bay parking, sometimes have to use a lift to access toilets which are on the lower floor - this can cause problems when there is a lift issue, and for some reason disabled toilets always seem to be the ones with broken/ damaged/ dirty facilities. often the accessible toilet is a dual function with baby changing room but also find ‘out of order’ accessible toilets quite frequently’ no space in using regular toilets it is like being in a broom cupboard so narrow with no mobility room and I am not a wheelchair user but am mobility impaired.
peter wilson
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
As I get more disabled I travel less but my last experiences are worth a comment 1. Fuel: given the premium of motorway station fuel prices I plan to void them 2. Parking: always convenient and usually space available 3. Loos always a long way from car parking areas, always at rear of facility and access passageways not very good when using a disability scooter – tight right angle turns, narrow and often with poor visibility 4. Disability loos often locked, no available attendant, so need to remember to take a key which may work. Sign posting not always clear Suggestion: Disabled Loos need to be provided externally and close to the disabled parking areas, not just for car users but also for those travelling by coaches Peter T
Anita Phillips
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
I have only ever had negative experiences at motorway services. 1. The disabled toilets are always the furthest from the entrance. 2. Disabled parking frequently abused. 3. Car parking not sited safely for the physically disabled person. 4. Toilets often filthy. 5. Some disabled parking spaces too narrow to get out of car. 6. Some entrances more than 100meters from disabled parking spaces. 7. Shared toilets with baby changing just is not acceptable. 8. Never any help at pumps - you are treated as a nuisance. Many people with physical disabilities travel on their own. Most services are not geared up for this. The environment they create causes disability.
Peter Burton
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
The long distance of toilets from the entrance can be a problem. Wet floors are also a slipping danger to those relying on crutches or a stick, not only just inside entrances but also in the toilets. Careless users aggravate the problem around urinals but water dripping from washed wet hands in search of an air-dryer is a common problem to negotiate. Musac (music!) is unwelcome as the background noise in these places. As a driver/traveller in search of essentials at a Motorway Service Station I am also seeking some relaxation and a short rest. I would welcome provision of a quiet area.
Mr James Samme
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
The long walk through past the cafes and shops is too much bother. What most don't know is the best place to stop is where the coaches park is always closer to the toilets than using the main car park. The other dislike is the expense of buying anything. I use the loo only and move on....
Mr James Samme
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
The long walk through past the cafes and shops is too much bother. What most don't know is the best place to stop is where the coaches park is always closer to the toilets than using the main car park. The other dislike is the expense of buying anything. I use the loo only and move on....
Brian Clifford
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
Do not use many service areas but find in general they are exorbitantly expensive and prefer to find a pub or restaurant just off the motorway. Those I have used ie Fleet, Hants and Winchester have found reasonably accessible for Disabled drivers. Both have improved in recent years except on high days and holidays when they become rediculously crowded. We need more services on M25 especially on western side between Chobham and South Mimms.
Ruth
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
Like many others who have commented the notable things are blue badge spaces and toilets. Blue badge spaces at services seem to be heavily abused by non badge holders, many of whom are very aggressive if challenged. Other spaces are really small. At some services blue badge spaces have been taken up for electric charging points, at a time when more people have become eligible for blue badges. As someone else has commented, the disabled toilets are often filthy and radar keys are so widely available that they make no difference. Apart from which anyone can request one from the staff at the services. Also distance to the toilets from the door often an issue.
Juliet Barrett
Tuesday, November, 28th, 2023
We rarely eat or shop at the motorway services because they are too expensive. I do use the disabled toilets though. Some are clean, some are not. I'm usually lucky enough to find a disabled parking bay too. We need more proper service stations on the A1. Even though it's not a motorway as such, it's a major road. Most of the small service stations have just one, usually grubby, toilet, that is not suitable for disabled people. These services are often not suitable for a wheelchair either.
Dr Barrie Penhaligan
Friday, November, 24th, 2023
I have not, for many years, ever used a service centre as l used to find that the disabled bays were mostly taken up by people that were not, apparently, disabled. Toilet cleanliness left a lot to be desired and trying to negotiate a wheelchair in the 'eating areas. was a total nightmare! I'm sorry if this appears to be a negative answer but you did enquire about it !
Mr Zan G Marseilles
Saturday, November, 25th, 2023
I have been Physically Disabled for 15 years this year 2023. Fortunately my physical Disability doesn't preclude me needing to use a wheelchair, currently that is. Instead I rely and have relied exclusively upon a LEKI HIKING POLE to assist my ability to walk and a very much required balance aid. Although I do drive a Standard, unmodified, 2008 MINI ONE which is MANUALI have driven on many motorways since 2007 and because of my stubborn but very focused determination to not allow my Physical Disability to define me and the blessed everyday challenged life that I lead I currently find Motorway Service Stations 99% suitable for myself, personally at this time. However I also have a female, more severely physically disabled friend and having read 1 or 2 of here recent FACEBOOK posts she has and is finding getting around via T.F.L. transportation extremely demanding, that is of course a slightly different subject in essence. My sincere apologies for not being of more help regarding your original request.
Anthony Durkin
Saturday, November, 25th, 2023
I never buy fuel on a motorway unless it is absolutely necessary and then only the bare minimum to get me to an off motorway service station. I fully understand why toilet facilities are beyond all of the sales outlets after all the majority of users are able bodied and service areas on motorways are a business so disabled drivers/passengers are an inconvenience, pardon the pun.
Patrick Dulson
Saturday, November, 25th, 2023
As a wheelchair user I find that using motorway facilities as quite a challenge. Some shop facilities have boxes over the floor while restocking making it difficult to reach some items. things like self service coffee are sometimes too high for me to reach comfortably. Toilets are usually dreadful with wet floor services so goodness knows what I am taking back to my vehicle on the wheelchair wheels. A stretch of carpet between toilets and the exit would help. If possible |I don't stop at motorway services as I find them a poor experience. I should be given the job of visiting them all with my camera and giving honest snapshot opinions.
Charlotte
Saturday, November, 25th, 2023
Some rare few are excellent 10-20%. Such as those with more than one disabled toilet available - always a bonus, some even have changing places toilets which themselves are fantastic. These good services even have plenty of disabled parking that’s actually near the door or lines up with the pavement entry directly to the building. Some have started to include ramps for the step access or lifts for inside stairs. But sadly most are horrific at approximately a 80% rate of being bad! There is one services on the M6 I forget its name, that in a nutshell is everything that’s wrong - 4 disabled parking bays always full with parent and child travellers who just sit in their cars in the bays, forcing disabled drivers into the the lorry park the wrong way in over on road barriers that could pop tyres!! All because we need the space to exit our cars and transfer into wheelchairs or deploy walkers without being in the car park moving traffic! Then inside the services building there is only one disabled toilet that staff will proper the door of while you are using it to give impatient old people who don’t have a radar key access HUMILIATING is an understatement on my own personal experience of these the impatient old woman grumbled at the staff that I’d been in there ages and should be hurried along
Stuart Cooper
Saturday, November, 25th, 2023
I haven't driven on a motorway for years. I would only drive on one only if there was absolutely no other way. My partner and I are 75 years old. She is disabled. Some people may not know but Radar keys can be bought online. They aren't expensive. My partner bought hers from Amazon.
Mark R Hudson
Sunday, November, 26th, 2023
I was surprised to see that around half of the Disabled Parking spaces were removed from the Corley Services and Electric Charging stations put there. The main problem is that the spaces are not well marked and I'm sure that they could have been closer together as they are waisting a lot of space between them. You could potentially get 3 wheel chairs side by side and the chances of that happening is rather small. I Do have an Electric car so I'm not complaining about the chargers, it's just the space taken seems to have been not well thought out.
Steve Chamberlain
Tuesday, November, 28th, 2023
The most annoying thing about service areas other than the extortionate cost of fuel, i never purchase,is the location of some of the toilet facilities. This can be stressful if you have a disability. They make you go past all the shopping areas first .There are one or two exceptions in my experience.
David Hayes
Tuesday, November, 28th, 2023
There are a few good ones. And more bad ones. The prices are extortionate, but, they have a needy lot of customers. Who don't know where to go off the Motorways for the more realistic priced facilities. They do not have sufficient disabled car parking spaces nor disabled toilets.
John
Sunday, November, 26th, 2023
Since retiring I rarely use motorways especially smart motorways which appear to be not smart but potentially dangerous. When I have to travel I rarely use motorway services except for an emergency toilet break, parking for disabled can be difficult with a long walk from the parking area, through the food courts and then find a toilet. If all services were at the same standard as Teebay then it would be a pleasure to stop at other services but most services are a disappointment both in variety and quality. From my point of view with my mobility problems motorway services are difficult, they are too big with long walks between areas, getting served in the food courts can be chaotic and difficult for disabled customers to navigate and get served, as I said I tend to avoid services, even before my disability I used to avoid most services, except Teebay which I made a point in calling in if I was passing.
Lou
Tuesday, November, 28th, 2023
Also finding that as anyone can purchase a radar key now, non disabled are using the keys to access disabled toilets
Robert Spalding
Wednesday, November, 29th, 2023
It would be nice if designated parking areas for the disabled towing caravans near to the facilities. Most caravan parking are among the LGV parking areas. The LGV are parked tight to each other and wheelchair users and COPD suffers are restricted or have a long way to walk. Cheers
Robert Spalding
Wednesday, November, 29th, 2023
It would be nice if designated parking areas for the disabled towing caravans near to the facilities. Most caravan parking are among the LGV parking areas. The LGV are parked tight to each other and wheelchair users and COPD suffers are restricted or have a long way to walk. Cheers
Clive Hambling-Thomas
Wednesday, November, 29th, 2023
I find motorway service stations are difficult to access. Not all doors are powered so I have had to wait for someone to hold a door open. Disabled toilets are usually disgusting and look like rarely cleaned. When I have pointed this out to staff, there is no interest in cleaning them. Staff are not always helpful
Phil
Saturday, December, 2nd, 2023
All disabled toilets are the standard size. For profound disability, the disabled toilet needs to accommodate the user plus wheelchair plus 2 carers. Our experience as a family means our young 5 year old son has to wait outside with the wheelchair. This is a constant worry that he is on his own in a busy area. The disabled person has to be changed on a mat on the floor which is sometimes filthy and we are kneeling in the filth as well. There is zero dignity in this. What is needed are standard Changing Places toilets (google it) which are bigger, can accommodate users, carers, siblings and wheelchair, have a large changing bench with ceiling hoist so we’re not on the floor.
ANTHONY HAWKE
Monday, December, 4th, 2023
Have recently travelled from North Nottinghamshire to Southampton and return, stopping at a few service stations. 1.The price of fuel is extortionate, in one case nearly 30p per litre above non- motorway prices. 2. Disabled spaces are not monitored, and not always clearly marked on the tarmac. 3. Electric charging points are being installed in former disabled spaces. 4. Years ago, you could get a decent hot meal with tea/coffee at service stations. . Now, there are franchised outlets (Burger King, Costa Pret a Manger), where one has to order from a touch screen , which is baffling for older travellers, and the food and drink are pretty awful. Used to love Little Chef.
Phil
Friday, December, 8th, 2023
All disabled toilets are the standard size. For profound disability, the disabled toilet needs to accommodate the user plus wheelchair plus 2 carers. Our experience as a family means our young 5 year old son has to wait outside with the wheelchair. This is a constant worry that he is on his own in a busy area. The disabled person has to be changed on a mat on the floor which is sometimes filthy and we are kneeling in the filth as well. There is zero dignity in this. What is needed are standard Changing Places toilets (google it) which are bigger, can accommodate users, carers, siblings and wheelchair, have a large changing bench with ceiling hoist so we’re not on the floor.
Steve Smith
Saturday, December, 2nd, 2023
Why are the disabled toilets at far end of service station to the entrance? Disabled parking is close to the entrance which is fine. Then you have five mile hike to the toilets, feels like it anyway. I used to walk using callipers and I could only walk short distances so I had a few stops on my way to the toilets. Accidents did happen which is damn embarrassing to say the least. My wife then had to go back to car and fetch clean clothes for me. Meaning I was in disabled toilet for a lot longer than normal. Why haven’t they been able to design a service station with disabled toilets near the entrance that has designated parking for the disabled. It’s just ridiculous.
Colette Kilmister
Saturday, December, 2nd, 2023
I try to avoid filling up on my journey including motorway services because i don't know if there is a member of staff to come and help. Also without getting out of the car how do you ask for assistance? Just as a bigger problem, if not worse, is trying to get help with air in your tyres.
Lou
Sunday, December, 3rd, 2023
Also finding that as anyone can purchase a radar key now, non disabled are using the keys to access disabled toilets