Van insurance customers may be interested to know that the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has criticised the lack of roadside facilities that are found on UK motorways.

The organisation, which targets to represent the needs and interests of van insurance customers and other freight – carrying vehicles, has launched a programme that exposes “two basic inadequacies” that are believed to stop the UK’s roads from receiving essential facilitates, such as motorway service stations.

It argued that firstly, the Highways Agency should have complete responsibility for providing roadside facilities and that its decision making power should not be left to other authorities.

Secondly, the facilities should be built – in to the original plans for creating new roads rather than being seen as an afterthought, which then becomes subject to the local planning authorities.

Richard Turner, Chief Executive of the FTA, questioned the current situation of lacking facilities: “Why are we still seeing roads without proper driving facilities?” Turner furthered his statement: “We want our main roads to retain their customers throughout the journey and this includes the need for toilets, rest breads and refreshment.”

Service stations could improve safety figures. This is because van insurance customers who make long journeys may be tempted to break their journey up, if they come across frequent service stations. This could help them stay more alert should a road safety incident occur. Also, by reducing accidents, less van insurance claims will be made.