Britain has 'most expensive service stations in the world'

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Motorists also have to put up with poor hygiene in eating areas and toilets and abysmal service from surly, unmotivated staff, says a survey published today.

Five out of six UK service stations rated either "poor" or "very poor" for their prices, according to a report by the AA and other European motoring organisations.

Only the Moto service station on the M1 at Toddington was rated 'acceptable' on price - but it was rated the worse overall.

It had "dirty tables and chairs," toilets that were "shabby and dirty", a limited selection of food, and staff who appeared "neither motivated nor trained".

The survey of nine countries found a "small meal" was most expensive in the UK - £16.69 for

a bottle of water, a cappuccino, a meat or poultry dish and a small salad.

That was ordered at Clacket Lane Services run by RoadChef on the M25.

The bill was £2.65 more than in traditionally high-priced Switzerland, and more than Spain (£13.45) and Denmark (£12,09).

Even the cheapest small meal ordered was £13.73 at Fleet Services (run by Welcome Break) on the M3 in Hampshire.

But it was £3.65 more than the equivalent meal in Switzerland, and nearly double the £6.42 charged in Italy.

The AA says: "Culinary highlights should not be expected.

"Outdoor facilities, the restaurant and toilet sometimes needed to be cleaned more thoroughly.

"Prices are enough to bring a tear to the eye."

The service station operators insisted they are investing in improving services.