Avoid pulling over at highway rest stops - Avoid pulling over at these designated spots on the highway.
The Latest ADAC Rest Area Test Reveals Mixed Results for German Motorists
The German Automobile Club (ADAC) recently conducted its Rest Area Test, evaluating the quality of service and facilities at 40 unattended rest areas along Germany’s 15 longest motorways. The test results highlight both commendable performances and areas for improvement.
The top two rest areas according to the ADAC are Engelmannsbäke on the A1 in Lower Saxony and Plater Berg on the A14 in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, both receiving a "very good" rating. Notable mention goes to Moorkaten-West on the A7, which placed fifth with a "good" rating.
On the other hand, some of the worst rest areas include Mölenbarg on the A20, which was rated "inadequate" due to poor sanitary facilities. The overall results showed that more than every fifth unattended rest area tested (about 21%) failed with "poor" or "very poor" ratings, emphasizing the need for improved cleanliness, safety, and relaxation amenities.
Factors assessed in the ADAC Rest Area Test include food offerings, toilet conditions, pricing, and infrastructure. The test revealed significant shortcomings in child-friendliness and accessibility. Only three out of 40 rest areas offered fair prices for food, while larger rest areas usually boast modern, well-equipped, and functional toilets, operated by Sanifair.
The rest of the rest areas fell somewhere in between the "good" and "poor" ratings. Six rest areas were rated "poor" in the test, and no rest stop received a "very good" rating. Interestingly, the test did not result in any "very poor" rated rest areas.
Another concern raised by the ADAC is the lack of charging points for electric vehicles. Almost none of the charging points are covered, making charging in bad weather a challenge for EV users. Moreover, many rest areas offer too few fast-charging stations.
The ADAC advises against refueling at rest areas, as they can be up to 54 cents more per liter along the highway than service stations near exits. The test also highlighted the issue of overpriced shops at rest areas, with some facilities charging a euro but failing to impress due to less-than-pristine cleanliness.
In conclusion, while some rest areas in Germany provide excellent facilities and services, there is a significant need for improvement in many others. The ADAC calls for substantial improvements by the motorway company, now the operator of these rest areas, to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for all motorists.
[1] ADAC Rest Area Test 2022 results: https://www.adac.de/reise/auto/reiseplanung/ruheplatze/ruheplatze-test/ruheplatze-test-2022-ergebnisse-2040762.html
- The ADAC suggests that the operator of these rest areas should consider implementing vocational training programs to improve the cleanliness, safety, and amenities of the rest areas, thereby enhancing the lifestyle and travel experience of motorists.
- To promote the adoption of electric vehicles and offer a more attractive home-and-garden experience for car-owners, the motorway company could explore installing covered charging points for electric vehicles at rest areas during their planned renovations, and potentially even provide vocational training for personnel to better manage these stations.
