A list of the best motorway service stations have been revealed – but some motorists have been left scratching their heads after the popular Beaconsfield services was snubbed in the top ten.  

The service station at junction 2 of the M40 – which was the first in Britain to house a Wetherspoons pub – did not place in the top ten motorway services, according to a new survey by an independent transport watchdog – despite playing host to the survey launch today.

The rest stop was up against stiff competition and did not manage to fight off the likes of the Reading westbound services on the M4, which came out on top according to motorists.

The survey of all 112 motorway services in the country – carried out by Transport Focus - asked a total of 8,700 people for their opinions on the toilets, food and drink and staffing.

They were also asked what impact visiting the services had on their mood when they arrived and left. Overall, 90 per cent of customers said they were satisfied with their visit.

Transport Minister, John Hayes MP launched the survey at Beaconsfield services this morning, along with Transport Focus’s chief executive, Highways England’s chief highway engineer and the chief executives of the major motorway service operators.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “Our research shows that up and down the country motorway services are providing customers with a good experience and are playing a positive role in helping them rest and recharge before continuing to drive. They tell us they feel less stressed and are more awake after a good break.

“Motorway service operators must not rest on their laurels however; our message is clear – use the results to deliver even higher levels of customer satisfaction in future.

“Ensuring that visitors feel their experience is worth the money paid, that the choice of food is good and the services are welcoming and well-maintained are important areas for motorway service operators to watch.”

The top ten in full:

1. Reading Services Westbound (Moto) – M4

2. Rivington Services Northbound (EuroGarages) – M61

3. Corley Services Northbound (Welcome Break) – M6

4. Gloucester Services Southbound (Westmorland) – M5

5. Gloucester Services Northbound (Westmorland)

6. Knutsford Services Southbound (Moto) – M6

7. Norton Canes Services (Roadchef) – M6 Toll

8. Tebay Services Northbound (Westmorland) – M6

9. Tebay Services Southbound (Westmorland) – M6

10. Cobham Services (Extra) – M25