4

Navigation and Information

Make the most of real-time interactive digital technology to provide travellers with the information to support well-informed, hassle-free journeys.

This principle goes beyond the geographical boundaries of Motorway Service Areas to provide comprehensive information and support to travellers through technology beyond the need for EV charging provision. It highlights proactive planning. This means considering the complete travel experience, from the initial journey planning phase to post-visit awareness. It advocates for seamless technology integration to offer solutions that encompass all essential information and adapt to changing practices. It emphasises the importance of giving travellers easy access to information, enabling them to make informed decisions at every stage of their journey.

Other considerations:

• This principle acknowledges that future Motorway Service Areas must work with vehicle manufacturers, the motorway service area operators, and technical experts to leverage technology, respond to evolving travel trends, and offer a one-stop platform for travellers to obtain the guidance and information they need.

• Be aware of potential data privacy and security concerns when collecting and using traveller data for information services.

Examples (how to achieve this):

• A unified in-vehicle platform that integrates essential travel information, from route planning and live traffic updates to personal services and EV charging spot availability. Facilitating preplanned rest stops and services and optimising travellers’ experiences by aligning with their specific needs and preferences.

• Booking applications within each MSA that enable travellers to reserve facilities, such as workspace, rest pods, or EV chargers, to enhance convenience.

• Remote communication and cloud or website connection between MSAs and travellers, enabling a tailored, personalised experience.

Outcomes:

Other considerations:

• Interactive Ecosystems: MSAs evolve into dynamic digital ecosystems, offering an interactive and intuitive experience that seamlessly connects travellers with the road and provides comprehensive information for wellinformed journeys.

• This principle acknowledges that future Motorway Service Areas must work with vehicle manufacturers, the motorway service area operators, and technical experts to leverage technology, respond to evolving travel trends, and offer a one-stop platform for travellers to obtain the guidance and information they need.

• Be aware of potential data privacy and security concerns when collecting and using traveller data for information services.

• Informed Journeys: Travellers benefit from wellinformed, planned journeys, alleviating charging anxiety by ensuring a strong connection between accessible information and strategic planning.

Distinctive and inviting Motorway Service Areas can transcend their conventional role as stopovers to create meaningful journey experiences. Quality and beauty have an important role in shaping spaces that draw people in, with attractive, high-quality spaces that people want to visit. The Motorway Service Area of the future should go beyond its essential functions to contribute to making journeys appealing. This is achieved by celebrating the local areas’ beauty through architecture and landscape design, emphasising each service area’s connection to the local character, creating a unique identity for each and fostering a sense of place, establishing a connection with travellers. This principle aims to elevate the overall experience for road users through placemaking principles to create more inviting, recognisable, and quality-driven spaces.

Other considerations:

Are we creating destinations? Embedding good design into Motorway Service areas does not create destinations. This principle aims to transform Motorway Service Areas into inviting and engaging spaces where customers and users can have a better, more welcoming experience and connection to the places they pass through. Ultimately, this principle attempts to transform Motorway Service Areas as more than just necessary pauses along a journey; it aims to enhance the customer experience and celebrate the appeal of travel itself.