M-way services for sale
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THE GOVERNMENT has this week announced that it wishes to sell "on new long leases the major part of the Government's interest in motorway service areas".
Making the announcement, Minister of Transport Norman Fowler said he believed that too much Governmental interference has hindered the success and progress of the areas, resulting in poor standards for the users.
"This is an important change of policy which I believe will bring real improvements in the service the public now gets on motorways".
The Prior report on motorway service areas published in 1978 pointed out that the relatively high (nine per cent) return demanded by the Government was deterring further motorway service area development.
The Government will shortly be opening negotiations for the sale of its interests, valued at around £40m, in the 38 motorway service areas with both existing operators and third parties.
It will still impose certain conditions to maintain standards, such as to guarantee the provision of toilets and basic services at all times. The Government also hopes to establish better breakdown and recovery arrangements on the motorways.