Greedy motorway service stations will hit families on Bank Holiday trips with hefty price hikes

FAMILIES on Bank Holiday trips can pay up to twice as much for treats at a service station than they would on the high street.

Big names such as WHSmith, Marks & Spencer, Costa, Burger King and Greggs are cashing in.

The Sun visited three busy services in Leicester, Reading and Beaconsfield, Bucks, to compare prices of the shops, restaurants and garages.

Among the biggest hikes were in WHSmith, where a bag of Maltesers cost £1.85 extra, and in Waitrose which adds another £1 for a 500ml bottle of water.

Petrol prices are also significantly higher for motorway drivers. Filling up at Moto’s BP garage on the M4 in Reading costs £60.95, while a nearby BP in Maidenhead charges £6.60 less at £54.35.

It's not hard to run up a hefty bill buying basic provisions, and the steep price of motorway fuel can be a nasty shock

Last night campaigners urged families to stock up in advance to avoid rip-off prices.

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Motorists depend on service areas for refuelling their cars and recharging themselves.

“Families need to be aware it’s not hard to run up a rather hefty bill buying a few basic provisions. The steep price of motorway fuel can also be a nasty shock.”

Moto said: “We have a range of commercial relationships with manufacturers and suppliers of leading brands that reflect the complexities of working on the motorway.

“This means prices are not necessarily the same as the high street because of factors such as investment needed to acquire and maintain expensive roadside locations and operational requirements such as round-the-clock opening.”

Welcome Break said: “We undertake regular reviews to ensure we charge the fairest prices possible.”

An Extra spokesman said it leases out the units at its service stations who set prices.

WHSmith said: “WHSmith and many other brands operate in motorway service areas through a franchise agreement where pricing is set by the franchisee.”