RAC comments on findings of Highway England's motorway fuel price sign trial

Highways England has published the findings of its motorway fuel price signage trial concluding that it has not delivered sufficient impact or cost benefit. The signs, which showed the price of petrol and diesel at the next services on the southbound M5 from Bristol to Exeter, will not be rolled out nationally.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “We had hoped this trial would help to promote an element of competition among motorway services’ fuel operators by overtly displaying prices to drivers, but sadly all it’s proved is that motorway fuel is extremely expensive wherever you buy it.

“This has been a very costly trial that has unfortunately confirmed what we already knew that motorway service area operators take advantage of drivers having to make ‘distressed’ fuel purchases.

"The RAC does not know of any reason why buying fuel on the motorway should be on average 16p a litre more expensive than buying it elsewhere. We urge the Government to investigate fuel pricing at motorway services to make it fairer for every motorist who needs to fill up at one.

“It is, however, positive that Highways England is now looking at re-using the technology infrastructure that was installed for the signs trial so that the investment is not completely wasted and that some good can still come from it.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
RAC and RSTA call on Government to mandate preventative road maintenance training 
The RAC and the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) have today written to the Government calling on it to introduce mandatory training for councils who carry out little or no maintenance to prevent potholes forming.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Fuel prices fall in August after two months of rises - but drivers continue to pay over the odds at the pumps
Average pump prices fell by less than a penny in August ending two months of rises, new analysis by RAC Fuel Watch has found.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Drivers divided on how to tackle pavement parking in England – but most want action
UK Government due to announce next steps on tackling problem pavement parking in England
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to 15 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

press.office@rac.co.uk

media.rac.co.uk