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Don't knock Continental MSAs
Page 26
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JAM an international truck driver. I read with dismay your comments on Italian and French motorway service areas (CM1 July). I've never seen sewage flowing across the floor of an Italian MSA and would like to know at which services this happens. If I find it to be true,1 shall send a stiff letter to the company that runs it. Italian MSAs have toilet attendants who rely largely on tips as part of their wages. lf a toilet is not spotless who is going to leave a tip? If you wish to use the shower, it is cleaned before and after use and is immaculate.
Three years ago.! went to Thurrock services and found human excrement and toilet paper in the shower; there was a sign stating it was out of order!
In my 14 years of driving.! have had two loads stolen. One was outside a factory in Birmingham and the other was at Truck World in Thurrock, and it is very possible that! was gassed on that occasion. But I have had no trouble abroad. The French MSAs are indeed "oases in the motoring desert". Many have restaurants and shops; some even have museums Parking for lorries is free, they are regularly patrolled by the gendarmes and when they overflow an extra lorry park is built. Compare that with rip-off anti-truck English services.
I can also have a four-course meal with unlimited wine for the price of greasy pie, chips and peas and a cup of tea in the UK.
I suggest that not only should you continue "to beat yourself up badly" due to the "MSA heaven on the other side of the Channel", but also attempt to verify your facts before publication!
Julian Dockery Ferryhill, County Durham • We can indeed verify this happened a couple of years ago outside Naples. We reported it to the manager at the time and we believe it was addressed. Ed