Drivers shape services
Page 10
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• Truck drivers are being given a say in the facilities on offer from a new Granada service area which is due to open on the M40 in summer 1994.
Like other motorway service station owners, Granada has been criticised by hauliers for favouring motorists. But now it is assessing the requirements of LGV drivers at its network of 25 service areas. "We are taking the truck driver market very seriously and we are evaluating its needs," says Granada's marketing and customer services manager Ian Dunstall.
He says that Granada is "keen to offer substantial coverage for LGV drivers" because they account for around 20% of road users — and 20% of its business.
The announcement of the new site comes just three weeks after Transport Secretary John MacGregor deregulated Britain's motorway services. It will be at J10 of the M40, near Ardley and about 18km south of Banbury, Oxon, filling a gap in the 322km stretch of motorway from Birmingham via the M40 to Folkestone.
It will have up to 100 LGV parking spaces. There may be a separate restaurant for LGV drivers, depending on the success of the truckers' restaurant at its site in Thurrock, Essex, but it will offer showers, 24-hour diesel and a shop.
Following deregulation Granada does not have to rely on the Government for services locations; it is now looking for sites on the M20, M11 and M2.