The Road Haulage Association has voiced concern over the opening of the UK’s first motorway pub, warning that drink driving is a bad mix “regardless the size of the vehicle being driven”.
The new pub opened on 21 January at the Beaconsfield service area, at junction 2 of the M40.
“The difference between the service area at Beaconsfield and the majority of the others located throughout the UK motorway network is that the driver has to leave the environs of the motorway to gain access,” explained RHA spokesperson, Kate Gibbs.
“On that basis, the argument would surely be that if a driver is determined to drink while being responsible for their vehicle, they will do so.”
The association says that the idea of deliberately putting the temptation to drink in front of a driver is absolute madness, especially with the ever-increasing traffic numbers on the motorway network.
“Motorways can be dangerous, they have always operated successfully without the need of an ‘alcohol outlet’, so why change that?” said Gibbs.
“Service areas exist primarily to provide a place where tired drivers can stop safely to take a rest – not a pint.”
