VisitEngland launches star rating scheme for motorway service areas

Often the grimmest and most expensive of places in the past (and still so for refuelling) Britain’s motorway service areas (MSA) are improving. VisitEngland, the national tourist board, has been investing in a new star rating scheme to monitor this activity and last week revealed that 86% are 3-star and above. 

As it points out, VisitEngland is committed to ensuring that the highest possible level of standards is available to the many millions of tourists travelling the length and breadth of England.  Attractions and accommodation are of course the focus for the national drive for quality.  Motorway service areas are, however, a key part of the journey, not only for UK visitors but business travellers who use them on a daily basis. 

Working with the Highways Agency and the five main operators of motorway service areas – Moto, Welcome Break, Roadchef, Extra and Westmorland – VisitEngland conducted four waves of assessments and awarded the 71 participating MSAs with their appropriate star rating.

Top performing areas included Tebay South on the M6 in Westmorland, and Killington Lake, just north in Cumbria, Strensham South on the M5 gets a four star rating too, and whilst not truly on a motorway the Moto facility on the A30 at Exeter is highly rated. www.visitengland.org

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