“Rip-off” motorway service stations

Petrol prices are at a three-year low, yet motorists are fuming about the cost of fuel at motorway services.

Research from the RAC shows that petrol and diesel prices at motorway service stations can be as much as 10p higher than those elsewhere.

The worst offender for high fuel prices was Reading services on the M4 which was selling BP petrol at 137.9p, while six miles away in Shinfield it cost just 121.9p

Of 1,463 motorists polled, 74% reckoned motorway prices were “very expensive” with 26% refusing to buy fuel at motorway stops.

One in five admitted only buying fuel at motorway services when they had no other choice.

Almost 20% said they put in “just enough fuel to get by” at motorway services, finding a cheaper alternative later.

Simon Williams, fuel spokesman for the RAC, said: “It’s no wonder that motorists feel held to ransom with prices on the motorways inflated to such an extent.”