Road trips are making a come back in the UK as the country learns to live with COVID. After more than a 25% decrease in the number of people with mobility concerns venturing out on the motorways in 2020 as a result of the pandemic, figures have been climbing. Last year the RAC estimated a staycation boom of up to 29 million, the majority of these being road trips. This year is likely to see similar figures with motability car drivers amongst those seeking to get away while being assured of improved health and safety when stopping to rest and refuel.
Ahead of this year’s holiday rush, motability and shared mobility experts, JCT600 commissioned a new survey to gather insight into what makes driving a better experience, especially for motorists who rely on accessibility in using motorway services. Respondents overwhelmingly wanted rest and comfort breaks to be reimagined so that they could enjoy a health and wellness experience to complement accessible spaces and ease of use of electric charging points.
Healthier food options are a priority for motorway services users with accessibility needs
Research revealed that 36% of respondents agreed that the availability of healthier food would make service stations a better experience. This was the most sought-after improvement for both men and women and was a consistent opinion regardless of age or existing health considerations. Salad bars which had been regularly available prior to the COVID pandemic are no longer a feature at motorway services. This suggests an opportunity for vegan and plant-based food to feature alongside traditional fare as the country is already seeing the greening of some of the most well-recognised franchises. Health-conscious motorists expressed an interest in choosing from menus which took nutrition into consideration with meals that contained less fat and sugar and more natural ingredients.
Clean, accessible services is an expectation for road trips
Wheelchair users or people requiring other assistance for comfort breaks look for accessible facilities which are deep cleaned. The over 55 age group say cleanliness of facilities is very important and has become even more so since the pandemic. Older Millennials also would like to see accessible rest rooms with improved hygiene standards as these motorists consider the needs of young children who are travelling.
Health and wellness activities are high on the travel wishlist
While driving holidays can be an adventure, the reality of even a shared mobility trip can involve higher than anticipated levels of stress. Motorists say they would like their break from driving to be a health and wellness experience where they can decompress. Relaxation rooms, sleep pods and yoga classes and even the inclusion of botanic gardens have all been cited by drivers.
In reimagining a holistic staycation experience, 95% of people surveyed wanted a sense of peace long before they reached their holiday destination. Being in a greener, healthier environment made better access to electric charging facilities seem a default option and with that an increased confidence in eventually transitioning to electric or hybrid vehicles for future journeys.
JCT600 CEO, John Tordoff, says, “The Great British service station is something we all love to hate, but the reality is they are a place so many of us use on a regular basis. And with more and more people choosing to staycation in the last couple of years, service station operators have really upped their game when it comes to catering for drivers, giving them more choice and better facilities, such as improved electric car charging infrastructure. As EV choice and single-charge range has increased in the last few years, we’ve seen demand for electric vehicles rise massively, and we only see that demand rising further as more drivers adopt green motoring.”
Government forecasts are that the country will see more motorists on the road this year, many exploring non-traditional holidays. As Department for Transport figures show that 55% of disabled people aged 17-64 years hold a full driving licence, the health and wellness staycation trend is an opportunity for services, hotels and restaurants to complement road trips by being accessible by default.
