Costly overnighters
Page 47
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Iwould be interested to learn how other operators are dealing with the high cost of overnight parking at Motorway Service Areas.
I have always preferred our vehicles to be parked on the services overnight as experience has proved that they are less likely to be tampered with or vandalised, and have never begrudged paying the required parking charge. In many cases accounts have been set up so drivers don't part with cash.
But these charges have risen considerably recently. In most cases the charge contains a £5 meal voucher. As our drivers receive a daily meal allowance I do not see why I should have to be forced to pay for this "incentive to park.
A few service areas have agreed a slight reduction if an account is operated with them but many refuse to co-operate.
With rumours abounding that some service areas are wheel-clamping vehicles whose drivers refuse to pay up, it seems the only option is to clog up laybys with overnighting lorries and leaving them exposed to the criminal fraternity R Wilcox Massey Wilcar, Chilcompton, Rath