Fuel prices to be displayed along motorways, to help drive down costs

This could be great news for motorists if all goes well!

A trial scheme of displaying fuel prices on motorway signs is due to start next year on the southbound section of the M5, between Bristol and Exeter. If successful, it’d be rolled out nationwide.

The electronic boards will show the prices of petrol at upcoming service station, and aims to help encourage price cuts as drivers make more informed decisions on their refuel purchase. Motorists already face more expensive petrol costs on motorways, as few are willing to divert their route to fill up on smaller roads.

Drivers will initially be alerted to the cost of unleaded and diesel from Gordano, Sedgemoor, Bridgwater, Taunton Deane and Exeter services under the trial. The trial will run for 18 months, as Highways England monitor the impact it has for motorists.

Mike Wilson, Highways England’s chief highways engineer, said: providing fuel price information was an “important part of a bigger picture – we want road users to be more informed and in better control of their journeys. This means they’ll be better prepared, more inclined to plan breaks and have a positive driving experience”. Andrew Jones, the roads minister, said the move showed that government “is on the side of the honest motorists who have raised concerns for too long about petrol prices at motorway service stations”.

What do you think? Would more obvious advance signage make you more likely to shop around for cheaper fuel? Let us know in the comments, or at @Liftshare!

Photo credit: Wikimedia

Author Lex Barber

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