[TSM]

MAD.

New rules deterring service stations from serving hot food and drinks at night
are threatening road safety, say watchdogs.

Official government advice tells tired drivers to drink two cups of coffee and
rest for 10-15 minutes.

But new regulations for England and Wales prohibit petrol forecourt stores
from selling hot food and drink between 11pm and 5am without paying hundreds of
pounds for a local authority licence.

The cost for smaller outlets makes it not worthwhile going through the
application process, the foundation said.

Licence application fees to serve hot food and drink at night include a
one-off fee of up to £635 and an annual renewal fee of up to £350.

The RAC Foundation said that motorists and motorcyclists, for whom fatigue is
a major problem, could now be more prone to death and injuries through lack of
overnight stops.

Kevin Delaney, head of road safety for the RAC Foundation, said: "A hot drink
late at night can be a lifesaver. Motorists are less likely to take a break if
garages stop serving hot food and drinks at night, and may be more likely to
fall asleep at the wheel.

"The foundation is writing to the Culture Secretary calling on the Government
to introduce an exemption so that forecourt stores can continue to provide this
important community service. Tired motorists must have easy access to a hot
coffee to fight fatigue."