A survey of 1,000 drivers has found that clean washroom facilities are the top priority for petrol station customers.
The research was commissioned by Gulf for the summer holiday season and found that among those taking domestic breaks, the average distance travelled stands at 191 miles, with a fifth of holidaymakers driving for 300 miles or more. Some 38% of those polled said they would stop at least twice at a forecourt during their travels.
A variety of food and drink being offered for sale at forecourt shops was ranked the second most important forecourt feature, while good parking came in third. Customer service, EV charging, a full range of fuel and family-friendly facilities were also listed as important.
Other titbits to emerge from Gulf’s study include the fact that for many Brits, conversations are easier in the car. Some 48% of those polled said this was due to a lack of interruptions, while the easing of conversational pressure minimal eye contact brings was cited as the reason by 32%.
Niall Taylor, senior marketing manager for Certas Energy UK, which holds the licence for Gulf comments: “It’s clear from the research that service stations are a big part of the summer holiday journey.”
