Brewing up in a motorway services car park.

[Rogerlathbury]

Hi all, I've just been reading my Caravan and Motorhome Club directory. In the back there are do's and dont's, one point says "no naked flames" in a motorway services parking area. From this advice I assume you cannot light the hob to boil the kettle. Assuming this is correct does everyone adhere to it? Secondly do people take flasks of hot water, buy a coffee from the services, or ???

 

[lorger]

We've boiled a kettle a few time's on a service station car park just make sure you're well away from the petrol station. I'm sure lorry drivers do it all the time.

 

[emjaiuk]

I always use our hob in services, as I'm sure lots of lorry drivers do. I interpret those signs as to mean naked flames outside of vehicles.

 

[WillH]

Strictly speaking firing up the hob is forbidden but is widely ignored, just don't do it near the service station.

 

[tonyidle]

Always have, still do so. I risk assess that petrol vapour is unlikely to make it in flammable concentrations 50+ yards to where I'm parked.

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[Puddleduck]

We do carry a flask but would use the hob if necessary - well away from the fuel station and would not do so if there was a smell of fuel nearby.

Like emjaiuk I thought naked flames outside but then people do light up cigarettes outside...... possibly it is a rule that is widely ignored.

 

[nicholsong]

Always have, still do so. I risk assess that petrol vapour is unlikely to make it in flammable concentrations 50+ yards to where I'm parked.

It has to be a cocentration of 15:1 to be flammable.

 

[Ivory55]

I always use our hob in services, as I'm sure lots of lorry drivers do. I interpret those signs as to mean naked flames outside of vehicles.

There is a lot now that run their engine and use an inverter to run a kettle or microwave.

 

[Stealaway]

What about the roaring flames from the Eberspacher and Webber truck heaters?

 

[Puddleduck]

We do carry a flask but would use the hob if necessary - well away from the fuel station and would not do so if there was a smell of fuel nearby.

Like emjaiuk I thought naked flames outside but then people do light up cigarettes outside...... possibly it is a rule that is widely ignored.

Also if the services actually could cater for special diets I would (possibly) buy a hot meal (Westmorland Services an exception to the rule - they are often very good). We do buy odds and ends at M&S or Waitrose at the services to eat back in the van as without some people buying we may be left without the service facilities.

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[Lenny HB]

Do you turn your fridge off or to 12v as it will light on gas 15min after stopping the engine.

 

[rod_vw]

I knew the rules about naked flames but have ignored them always. After all if such things were that important all motorway services would be no smoking zones even outside!

As for Eberspacher & Webasto heaters, I think you will find that they are considered safe in such circumstances. Although they do have special fitments and controls for use in highly inflammable situations.

 

[Ivory55]

I knew the rules about naked flames but have ignored them always. After all if such things were that important all motorway services would be no smoking zones even outside!

As for Eberspacher & Webasto heaters, I think you will find that they are considered safe in such circumstances. Although they do have special fitments and controls for use in highly inflammable situations.

I think you might find it’s more aimed at the ones who want to cook meals etc on dubious camping stoves out on the tarmac or even a bbq. It’s just that they cannot do one without the others.

 

[Colintheolder]

Sorry for my ignorance, who makes the "rules", who enforces them.

 

[Ivory55]

At a guess the open flames thing might be driven by the insurance company that they use. If they allow it and then there was a claim it could cost a lot of money , but by saying it’s not allowed I guess it gets them out of paying if it goes up.

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[emjaiuk]

Sorry for my ignorance, who makes the "rules", who enforces them.

I seem to remember that the 'no naked flame' rule dates back to Watford Gap days, so I presume it was originally a Ministry of Transport rule. These days thanks to the seemingly ludicrous contracts issued by the civil service, the operators can do or not do whatever they want. They are certainty not going to change anything which encourages people to use their facilities.

 

[Nasher]

Well, that's another reason I'm glad I chose a Wallas XC Duo diesel hob for my moho.....

..... Oh hang on, I normally buy a coffee at service stations........bugger !

 

[Ivory55]

Well, that's another reason I'm glad I chose a Wallas XC Duo diesel hob for my moho.....

..... Oh hang on, I normally buy a coffee at service stations........bugger !

You can afford their prices, haha

 

[Nasher]

You can afford their prices, haha

What can I say - I'm just one of those motorhomers that likes to spend money in the local economy

 

[AXO66]

and mobiles

“Directly addressing the issue, the UKPIA website states: "Mobilephones are not designed and certified for use in explosive atmospheres which exist temporarily around the pump and nozzle during refuelling as well as around the fill and vent pipes during petrol deliveries.”

hence the signs not to use your mobile!

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[Reallyretired]

Hi all, I've just been reading my Caravan and Motorhome Club directory. In the back there are do's and dont's, one point says "no naked flames" in a motorway services parking area. From this advice I assume you cannot light the hob to boil the kettle. Assuming this is correct does everyone adhere to it? Secondly do people take flasks of hot water, buy a coffee from the services, or ???

In the summer I will usually use the electric kettle on inverter, as it doesn't heat up the interior though I will use gas in colder weather when less solar energy. We wouldn't park near the petrol station anyway as we are principally looking for a nice quiet patch of grass so the dogs can have a pee. I much prefer tea to coffee and service station tea is generally bad and expensive.

 

[Tea break]

Spent many nights in services in my my hgv always boil the kettle on a camp stove in the cab every morning never had a problem after 30 years of driving

 

[poppycamper]

You can afford their prices, haha

Moto services plus AA card =20% off at Costa

 

[Jaws]

If we stop at a service area for lunch we always have a brew

 

[glenn2926]

Moto services plus AA card =20% off at Costa

Blue light card also 20% off.

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[The general]

Defence forces card as well

 

[poppycamper]

Defence forces card as well

Defence Force Card. ?????

 

[The general]

Defence Force Card. ?????

 

[poppycamper]

Thanks General... how on earth did I not know about this...
Will apply soonest.. again many thanks.

 

[ChrisSue]

Greggs breakfast menu. Love their coffee way more than Costa or Starbucks £ for £