Are UK Motorway services basically a NO for over-nighting?

Wisewoman

Wisewoman

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I have a huge trek to Scotland planned in the van in April and I've been wondering about Motorway service stations and their feasibility as stop over / overnighting places. On the odd occasion I have gone to a motorway services in my car, I've noticed signs like 'automatic plate recognition' and no parking for longer than 2 hours. Is this essentially the norm now for all those huge car parks attached to these places, thereby making them a total no hoper for overnighting in?

I'd also wondered about HGV / truck stops too and the legality of using them too though I don't especially fancy them as those monsters would dwarf me!

Cheers,
Melissa
 
They are normally free for two hours. You can pay to stay longer, so if you really need/want to, you can use them overnight.
 
It's rip of Britain, welcome. The motorway services want you to pay for overnight parking and the charges are extortionate. If you don't pay they will fine you. Most lorry drivers won't overnight there.

The wild camping locations and pub stops on here are better alternatives.
 
Yep, As Mark says,
It 'CAN be a convenient spot to rest up over night if your just covering the motorway miles, But an expensive one. You don't even get a food voucher to use in the café like the lorry or coach drivers do !, But Some MOTO services have got Showers, If you have re fillable gas system, then stopping for the night, Having a HOT shower, Something to eat, Fill up with Fuel n Gas all in one place has its advantages,,, But NO not for me, 2hrs & I'm off.
 
They are very expensive. I see you are a Full Member on here - much better to use the POIs.
 
Wow so many replies in 15 minutes! Cheers everyone.

Yes I am a full member, but there is actually a bit of a dearth of stop over places between Abington and Stirling that are also pretty close to the M74 and I'm thinking it will be around there, when the sleepiness will hit me. The CU at Bellshills puts me off as i used to live not too far from Glasgow and lets just say that Glasgow can be, well, trying...

I think I shall provisionally pencil in the CU in Abington as my overnight location for now. :)

Thanks for the link to the Motorway Catalogue Mark61 Its good to know that if desperate, i can overnight there at a cost!

Melissa
 
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What gets me is all the hype of tiredness can kill signs yet one can either stop 2hrs or you are ripped off or penalised for want of a better words !!
I know myself i'm feeling worse after a short sleep than none at all !
 
The services on the m6 toll road expensive but best around £25. But you get £10 food voucher and free toll
So kind a makes it a wee bit lighter with the toll and breakfast thrown in.
 
Nesting Zombie said:
Yep, As Mark says,
It 'CAN be a convenient spot to rest up over night if your just covering the motorway miles, But an expensive one. You don't even get a food voucher to use in the café like the lorry or coach drivers do !, But Some MOTO services have got Showers, If you have re fillable gas system, then stopping for the night, Having a HOT shower, Something to eat, Fill up with Fuel n Gas all in one place has its advantages,,, But NO not for me, 2hrs & I'm off.
Click to expand...

NZ . Are you talking to a millionaire? PARK THERE, buy Food, buy fuel and then buy fuel. The last time I was in a services the fuel price was £1.33 a litre the gas 69.5p parking £25 and the drop point £25 unless you have 30+ pax.
I really hate those people that run them.
 
NO!

Why, on earth would you even think about it??

WC POI have 550 pub stops, even the worst will be infinitely better than any motorway car park:mad1:
 
If you stop just a few miles short of Abington theres a very nice pub stop at Beattock, or some nice POIs just West of Moffat. Failing that The Green Frog at Moffat is a nice little site for a few pounds. The Green Frog ? Pet Supplies
 
hi
i stopped for a cuppa on the M1 the other day. on way to NEC.
i noticed on the sign it was £12 for a 24hr stop.
 
GWAYGWAY said:
NZ . Are you talking to a millionaire? PARK THERE, buy Food, buy fuel and then buy fuel. The last time I was in a services the fuel price was £1.33 a litre the gas 69.5p parking £25 and the drop point £25 unless you have 30+ pax.
I really hate those people that run them.
Click to expand...

Yeah I know, a Very Expensive overnight experience at some Motorway Services isn't it. I've Filled up with Fuel, & Gas at a few though, Even had a Shower & a Berger at a Cpl as well within my 2hr or so Free Stay, Never Stayed the Night at any.
 
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