Motorway services are under fire again

Britain's motorway service areas have again been criticised for serving poor quality, expensive food.

That was the verdict of a survey of European service areas carried out by the AA and other European motoring organisations. It featured 10 UK service areas. Of these, only three achieved an acceptable rating and the rest were rated as being poor.

The UK as a whole finished in seventh place, ahead of Belgium and The Netherlands. A total of 95 service areas were tested across nine European countries. Last year, the UK came eighth.

The best service areas were found in France, where inspectors nearly always found high-quality food.

Of the British sites tested, three Welcome Break service areas were voted poor, while another received an acceptable rating.

Chief executive Richard Pennycook said: "The survey was done over an Easter weekend when we were extremely busy. I'm not saying we were perfect, but it's just a snapshot. I don't give it much credibility."

John Dawson, the AA's policy director, said: "In areas that matter most to customers, such as food quality, service and value for money, this is a disappointing showing.

"The often-overwhelming demand might explain the poor hygiene in the toilets, but less excusable is the standard of the food and the high prices for everything."

by Ben Walker