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Adaptability and Universality

Offer adaptable, universal services and spaces that cater to diverse travellers’ needs, regardless of their mode of transport or unique personal characteristics.

This principle highlights the importance of extending experiences within Motorway Service Areas to the needs of various vehicle types and their fuelling requirements. It centres on functional attributes in its design that cater universally to all vehicles and their technologies beyond personal EVs to provide services and spaces for other vehicle types, like HGVs, caravans and motorcycles and alternative fuelling technologies, like hydrogen. This means tailoring the services, offerings, and spaces to align with the requirements of these diverse vehicle profiles, championing design flexibility and versatile service provision to accommodate evolving requirements.

Other considerations:

• Is the future electric? Other low-emission futures, like hydrogen, might be more viable for some vehicle types, like coaches. This impacts the types of offers available at Motorway Service Areas. “Service Areas will have to provide charging in a place that is safe for passengers to return to the vehicle during the charging process, so not an isolated space. The charging should be compatible with passenger access.” — Confederation of Passenger Transport.

• Not all MSAs should look or function the same; their adaptability means that while all MSAs should offer a baseline of flexibility, each MSA can have different options available to different users. For example, there will be drivers who want to get a quick bite and a coffee, and service areas should be able to deliver spaces for this type of stops, as well as for longer journeys.

Examples (how to achieve this):

• Acknowledge that different vehicles, from electric cars to HGVs, require specialised amenities and services to suit their distinct needs. Fuelling spaces may vary in size and time needed, and their parking location should be carefully considered. For example, reversing a caravan/ towing car into the existing changing bays poses significant difficulties for drivers.

• Pay attention to the distinctive requirements of certain users, like coach drivers who may benefit from features such as traffic TV monitors and private spaces to rest or amenities for truck drivers, like laundry services.

Outcomes:

• Tailored Experiences: Travellers have the freedom to explore Motorway Service Areas at their own pace and style, providing unique experiences for each type of traveller.

• Inclusive Spaces: All users, regardless of vehicle type or personal needs, find welcoming, accessible, and reliable spaces within Motorway Service Areas, promoting, eliminating divisions and ensuring equitable access to essential facilities.