Transport Cafes

[Chic]

Went toJacks Hill Cafe last week. Boy has that gone downhill!

[ceylon220]

Remember calling in at the motorway services M6 Knutsford for my 3/4hr break during the early morning 1am a few years ago when they were renovating the place, first stop was the toilets which were portacabins at the time , went in ,the place was exceptionally clean, even jars of flowers on the wash stands, nice idea I thought, done the business and was washing my hands at the basin when 2 elderly women walked in, well I don`t know who was more surprised, them or me, after a quick explaination I departed rather quickly-----the toilets were the LADIES, no wonder the daffodils were on show---Flowers for wagon drivers, no I don`t think so!!!!!!!!!!

[Ian]

When coaching, from Manchester to the East coast we always stopped at Hartshead Moor Services. Never stopped on the return journey, until one evening somebody wanted the toilet so quick stop, I thought I would join the rest straight into the Gents only West bound its the Ladies whoops

Ian

[Energumen]

I am not so sure, these excuses seem a bit thin, sounds like a bit of voyeurism to me. Ha ha ha
Regards
Energumen

[Mandator]

Oh I don't know.
It would make a change seeing women having a p*** instead of taking the p***.:rolleyes:

[Energumen]

Ha ha ha ha ha, you rude man.

[ceylon220]

So thats why there are holes in the cubicals in the toilets Energumen, I always had the feeling of being watched in these service stops!!!!!!

[Energumen]

Well, not from personal experience you understand, but some people do seem to make these little excursions into the wrong rest rooms, without a great deal of trouble. Ha ha ha .

I'm orf now, whilst I am safe.

[Dingbat]

just outside aberford,old stone biult building.great cheap food,alsa gone now.good place to park up,was normans at normanton,a bit rough but you could have a shower and good food,lorry park a bit rough.i believe it burnt down.londonderry lorry park still going strong.had some good nights out at the star truck stop lesmahagow [let me hair grow] also the truck stop at aberdeen.

[Mandator]

I used the Star Lesmahagow quite regular,never went in Normans but I remember the one at Aberford.Not been up the A1 for donkeys years so most will have gone now,but I think the one at Quernhow is still going.
Back in Scotland did you ever use the one at Chapelhall near Airdrie or the Silver Link Kincardine Bridge?

Chris.

[Dingbat]

quernhow,still open ,still as good as ever.dont recall the other two,possibly because i ve never stayed up there.purdys,just south of berwick still there.another good place was up in huntley A 96.[ashgrove carnie].cornwall used to be anight mare,but there are some good parks.i remember the trewint cafe ithink it was near bodmin. A 30. it takes the old grey matter some kick starting thinking back.

[Mandator]

Was Purdy's the one on the right in Scremerston before you got into Berwick?

You are right it takes some kick-starting does the old grey matter.:confused:

[Dingbat]

thats the one.they re furbished it a few years ago.:)

[wilfo098]

You can belive this. But once I was taking a well earned road rest in a cabin at a cafe thinking about nothing in particular ( well alright how to make some big bucks) a person came into the next cublcle .to my surprise I heard a ladies cough , looked down to the floor and there was definitly a female's feet in there ..I was in the right place so I guess she didn't see the obvious standing up receptacles. A gentleman to the end I made a quick exit to save her embarassment...Alan

[davepenn54]

Good to see the Quernhow Cafe is still going always used to pull in there for the all day brekkie, always clean and good grub. Haven't been up that way for a long time but would still stop there to fill up me belly if necessary:D:D:D

[grandad]

When coaching, from Manchester to the East coast we always stopped at Hartshead Moor Services. Never stopped on the return journey, until one evening somebody wanted the toilet so quick stop, I thought I would join the rest straight into the Gents only West bound its the Ladies whoops

Ian

Ian your old enough to remember this one. Newcastle under lyme, circa early 1960,s just before i left school my dad took me in his car transporter on a night out job and we stayed at a transport cafe called "juros". we had a 2 berth cabin, all shipshape and bristol fashion until you actually got into the bed, then you found that the crisp white sheet neatly folded over the army blanket was really only half of one! it ended about knee level lol. those were indeed "the days." Grandad.:)

[dmackay]

Anyone been as far north as Skiach Services north of inverness, good food, shower, parking ,24 hour fuel and shop :D

[Western SMT]

There is a 'Chef's Grill' at Newtonmore and is well used by truckers.

[dmackay]

Another one on the A9 is Ballinluig Services, about 1/2 hour north of Perth
open 7.00AM 10.00PM 7days :D

[Western SMT]

Many many years ago I remember the South Inch in Perth (as in Scotland)was used by trucks with some sort of cafe at hand - now of course it's a car park.

[dmackay]

Perth is bypassed for us now, services at Kinross just south of Perth, plenty good parking

[Western SMT]

There is a 'Chef's Grill' at Newtonmore and is well used by truckers.

We were there last year and the conversation went like -
Son asks for the steak pie - they say the steak pie is not off, there is plenty steak just no pastry - so it was agreed extra steak would make up the difference and he ended up with some plate of steak and he ate it all declaring it was a good feed.

[Western SMT]

Try this one

http://www.transportcafe.co.uk/

[dmackay]

Try this one

http://www.transportcafe.co.uk/

RE this web site recovery vehicle and tyre fitters I got run over while working at an accident (rec veh) in 1988. 2yrs off work,retired now but just out of hosp last sept after 8th op on my leg :mad:

[Western SMT]

RE this web site recovery vehicle and tyre fitters I got run over while working at an accident (rec veh) in 1988. 2yrs off work,retired now but just out of hosp last sept after 8th op on my leg :mad:

Would like to hear your story only if you want to share it with us.

[dmackay]

anyone remember the name of that truckstop on the A90 between Dundee and Perth, only in it once, forgotten what its called

[Western SMT]

Found this little story, might not be the one you are meaning -

The application is in full for the extension of the HGV parking area at the Horseshoe Cafe, Inchture. From the submitted indicative layout, it is proposed to create hard standing area to accommodate parking facilities for approx 13 heavy goods vehicles, manoeuvring areas for entering and leaving the parking bays and landscaping.

[dmackay]

Found this little story, might not be the one you are meaning -

The application is in full for the extension of the HGV parking area at the Horseshoe Cafe, Inchture. From the submitted indicative layout, it is proposed to create hard standing area to accommodate parking facilities for approx 13 heavy goods vehicles, manoeuvring areas for entering and leaving the parking bays and landscaping.

Thats it could not remember it (must be my age) Thanks :)

[Western SMT]

A new overnight truckstop near the Port of Dover is due to open in the middle of December. The facility, in Menzies Road, Port Zone, is three miles from the port and has the capacity for 100 vehicles. It includes an American-style diner, a truckers' shop - operated by truck and driver accessories specialist CDC - and washroom facilities, including hot showers.
It also features CCTV and an automatic number plate recognition system.

[Western SMT]

Truckstop saved -

http://www.expressandstar.com/2007/11/28/drivers-win-fight-for-truckstop/

[dmackay]

Totally agree Western SMT a truckstop is a safe haven its not very safe parked on the roadside now

[Western SMT]

A new truckstop with 310 parking spaces is opening near Calais in the new year.

The site, located in the Transmarck area, is due to open on January 12.

It will feature a 200-seat restaurant and bar, vending machines, shops and wash facilities, as well as internet, fax and telephone services.

[Energumen]

Plus, French Government Welfare and Emigration Officers, to assist poor unfortunate, criminals from all points East, in their onward transport to the UK, where there are millions of idiots, just waiting to provide them with good housing, health and welfare services, at no cost to the immigrant, just the British Fools.

On arrival, we will wecome them, throw open our homes and personages, to their often violent onslaught, until they drive us into the channel or the ground.

Sorry, the Baileys has warn off, and the Grumpy Old Man, who says a lot and does nowt about it has reared his head again.
Lol

[coastie]

just outside aberford,old stone biult building.great cheap food,alsa gone now.good place to park up,was normans at normanton,a bit rough but you could have a shower and good food,lorry park a bit rough.i believe it burnt down.londonderry lorry park still going strong.had some good nights out at the star truck stop lesmahagow [let me hair grow] also the truck stop at aberdeen.


The truck stop at Aberdeen, if it's the one I'm thinking of, it's about 43 miles outside of Aberdeen and serves a great and value for money meal. I stopped there on my way to Shetland last August.

I can't remember the name, but it's near a hospital.

[dmackay]

Stracathro in Angus is the one you mean Coastie, its beside a hospital, should be about 43mls from Aberdeen. Good place for a working mans shower and a feed. :D

[coastie]

Stracathro in Angus is the one you mean Coastie, its beside a hospital, should be about 43mls from Aberdeen. Good place for a working mans shower and a feed. :D

That's the one! I have stopped there many a time. What a great place.:)

[Western SMT]

A55 truckstop plans rejected

http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/02/05/132964/a55-truckstop-plans-are-rejected.html

[G-CPTN]

in an inappropriate rural location.
So instead they want it near 'settlements' (where complaints about noise and traffic might ensue . . .)?

the proposals from JD Owen Transport Services to build the facility near Junction 31 of the A55 off the B5122, close to Caerwys, are due to be debated by the planning and development control committee on 4 February (2009). They were lodged in July 2007.

the recommendation to refuse the site is down to it being currently undeveloped agricultural land and a truckstop and business park would be inappropriate in such a rural location.
JD Owen owner Dai Owen says he considered sites off every junction of the A55 between Holyhead and Chester and this was the only one that was suitable. "I think everyone has forgotten the needs of the lorry driver in this whole process," he says.

[wilfo098]

Same old story.you would be a hero if you struggled through the snow with the supplies they need...Regards Alan

[Western SMT]

A55 Truckstop Plans
They are considering whether to appeal the decision or to resubmit the plan with a few changes.

http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/02/09/132964/rejection-of-a55-truckstop-plans-may-be-appealed.html

[G-CPTN]

I'm not familiar with the area, but it sounds like there is demand for a truck-stop.
Anybody know more?
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=53.2731982&lon=-3.3077753&z=9&l=0&m=h&v=2
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=53.2731982&lon=-3.3077753&z=12&l=0&m=h&v=2
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=53.2731982&lon=-3.3077753&z=15&l=0&m=h&v=2
Could the words 'Crown Estates' be significant?
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=53.2731982&lon=-3.3077753&z=17&l=0&m=h&v=2
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=53.272409&lon=-3.309449&z=18&l=0&m=h&v=2
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=53.2741445&lon=-3.3069706&z=18&l=0&m=h&v=2

http://www.mostyn-estates.co.uk/developments.htm

[G-CPTN]

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2009/02/02/flintshire-a55-truck-stop-bids-set-to-be-halted-55578-22832120/

There are no “purpose-designed facilities” between Lymm in Cheshire and Holyhead for truckers.

The Mostyn Estates plan would be based on about 20 acres of land south-east of junction 31 from the A55 along the B5122, J D Owen’s application was based on fields north-east of Crossways Road, Pen y Cefn,
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=53.2600276&lon=-3.3124638&z=14&l=0&m=h&v=2
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=53.2686523&lon=-3.3121634&z=15&l=0&m=h&v=2

But both applications provoked a wave of opposition and concern, not just from local residents, who have signed a 2,000-name petition, but from organisations including the RSPB, the Council for the Preservation of Rural Wales, and the Countryside Council for Wales.
The Welsh Assembly Government has also questioned the need for a business park at the site and MPs and AMs question whether a creamery would generate more traffic.

[Western SMT]

Local objections have focused on the environmental effects of the development.

Background info -
http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2007/04/12/126688/a55-truckstop-planned-in-wake-of-attack-on-driver.html

MEP support
http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2008/02/22/129890/a55-truckstop-plan-receives-mep-support.html

Alconbury Nightowl truckstop gets a mention at the end of this one
http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2007/12/24/129409/eu-to-fund-secure-truckstops.html

[Western SMT]

Other countries have problems as well

http://www.russiatoday.com/features/news/35316

[Western SMT]

Plans have been submitted to build a secure overnight lorry park in Thurrock.

http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/02/11/133024/truckstop-plan-submitted-for-thurrock.html

[Western SMT]

Truckstop Survey

http://www.unitetheunion.com/news__events/latest_news/launch_of_first_ever_survey_of.aspx?lang=en-gb

Department for Transport plan

http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/02/10/132983/dft-considers-national-truck-park-action-plan.html

[Western SMT]

Plans have been submitted to build a secure overnight lorry park in Thurrock.

http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/02/11/133024/truckstop-plan-submitted-for-thurrock.html

Council reject plans

http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/02/24/133124/council-rejects-thurrock-truckstop-proposals.html

[Western SMT]

A new truckstop with 310 parking spaces is opening near Calais in the new year.

The site, located in the Transmarck area, is due to open on January 12.

It will feature a 200-seat restaurant and bar, vending machines, shops and wash facilities, as well as internet, fax and telephone services.

Look like it is now open
http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/02/26/133109/new-calais-truckstop-targets-uk-operators.html

If you look around this link you will find the tariffs
http://www.all4trucks.com/

[robertdavey6]

Truckstop saved -

http://www.expressandstar.com/2007/11/28/drivers-win-fight-for-truckstop/

I thought it had closed.

Robert

[Western SMT]

Plans for a truckstop at Skillet Hill, Waltham Abbey at Junction 26 of the M25 have been given the green light.

http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/03/02/133172/waltham-abbey-truckstop-given-green-light.html

[Western SMT]

Suffolk County Council consults on lorry parking

http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/03/05/133164/suffolk-county-council-consults-on-lorry-parking.html

[Western SMT]

Three more lorry parks are needed in Northamptonshire to combat freight crime in the region.

http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/04/03/133433/northamptonshire-needs-three-more-truck-parks.html

[Western SMT]

Kettering Council has received a planning application for a 24-hour Truck stop facility, which would include a petrol station and service building on land off Orton Road near Rothwell.

http://www.northantset.co.uk/travel-zone/Plans-for-a-24hour-truck.5172390.jp

[Western SMT]

Permission has been given to a haulage firm to build a 50-vehicle truck stop.

http://www.braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk/news/4519664.Witham__Truck_stop_on_its_way/

[robertdavey6]

Plans have been submitted to build a secure overnight lorry park in Thurrock.

http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/02/11/133024/truckstop-plan-submitted-for-thurrock.html

It would need to be secure. One of our drivers got his curtains slashed one night last week whilst parked on Thurrock Services. There was nearly more hole than curtain, 4-5 cuts each side! He had to have it repaired, once he'd tipped it, before he could re-load for home.

[G-CPTN]

Nothing taken then?

[robertdavey6]

No, G-C. They opened a couple of boxes but must not have liked the stuff they found.

[darloboy]

evening all last we were in blighty we were totaly taken aback at what the truckies have to stop at mindless motorway eateries more like super markets or caravans standing in the middle of nowhere freezing cold & or soaking wet are these better than the greasy dish places? I did midlands to n/e or hants to n/e off & on for a few years always stopped at the southern end of the donny bypass A1(m) cups used the front larger receptacles around the r/h side (wouldn/t say mugs ) did a good supper on a sunday night,or any night even the navigator prefered the side door if we were that way our son did ,the girl always made a fuss over kids made them feel special
darloboy