service roads

[crolandc]

Hi, does anybody know if all or most double motorway services ( one northbound and one southbound)have service roads you can use to cross over from one to the other. thanks for any replies.

[aw51 121565]

Most will have 'service roads' from each adjacent service area to the local road network. So driving off the first service area onto its service road then onto the local non-motorway road(s) and finally onto the service road for the second service area is the answer you're looking for .

Sadly they are often blocked off with barriers or bollards, or there might be a notice 'prohibiting' access or egress to the service area unless you work there or are staying in the motel there (legality of these signs can be argued as dubious...), or the police might be interested if they see you using the service road without consent, or... etc etc .

A great plan in theory . Great as unofficial exits from (or access to) motorways if the going is (or has been) tough on them .

[Mostro]

A colleague of mine's daily commute used to involve accessing the M62 via the service entrance to Hartshead Moor services. There's not often connecting roads to the other side though without a huge detour.

[Aizle]

Lots use the services at Fleet on the M3 northbound as an alternate exit.

Have also used the north and south service roads at Toddington Services on the M1.

[badyaker]

I thought all/most services were deliberately located near local roads crossing, to allow access for emergency vehicles.
Service roads usually gated and locked.

Frankly services on the M5 was an exception I may have exploited in the past