Electronic M5 motorway signs comparing fuel prices at service stations have failed to reduce costs, a study has concluded.
Forecourt prices at five rest-stops between Bristol and Exeter, including Sedgemoor Services near Burnham-On-Sea, have been displayed since March 2016 as part of a trial aimed at promoting competition.
However, a new report published this week by Highways England reveals there was no evidence of any savings.
Highways England says the signs are being decommissioned and it is exploring options for their future use.
Motoring organisation RAC says it does not know any reason why filling up on the motorway should be “on average 16p more per litre”.
A spokesman added: “We had hoped this trial would help to promote an element of competition among motorway services’ fuel operators by overtly displaying prices to drivers, but sadly all it’s proved is that motorway fuel is extremely expensive wherever you buy it.”
“Motorway service area operators take advantage of drivers having to make ‘distressed’ fuel purchases.”
Highways England said it would cost £50m to roll out the scheme across the country, however there was “no case” for doing this, the study concluded.
Pictured: One of the signs is sited between Burnham-On-Sea’s junction 22 and Weston-super-Mare’s junction 21
