It is not about how long you can drive without a break. It is about driving with common sense, making the necessary stops to rest and free ourselves from the discipline and monotony of the wheel.
Driving is a great responsibility. Fatigue and tiredness are invisible enemies that affect our senses, reducing attention and concentration. This applies to all kinds of drivers, including professionals such as hauliers or roadside assistance operators. It applies to all of us who, for one reason or another, clock up hundreds of kilometres on the road every year.
Service or rest areas, shown on public road signs but also on traditional maps and today's car navigation systems, can be of two types:
- On the one hand, there are small complexes of sorts, equipped with petrol stations, small shops selling food, newspapers or car products, restaurants and cafés, car parks, and even grey and black water disposal points for motorhomes, as well as hotels (in the case of the most fully equipped service areas).
- Others, by contrast, are spaces that require us to leave the road and that have parking and a picnic area, but no commercial facilities.
Rest areas: regulation
In our country, these areas, spread across the State Road Network, are regulated by Law 37/2015 of 29 September. It establishes that information about rest areas must be updated periodically (this is the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Works). We are talking about spaces adjacent to roads that provide users with what they need to rest, starting with a temporary parking area for vehicles.
On this map of rest areas (which has its own search engine) there are currently a total of 617 registered areas throughout the country. They are distributed across toll motorways, conventional roads and toll-free motorways or dual carriageways, according to the types of roads in Spain. The map is very useful if we are planning a long journey, whether for work or personal reasons, or because it is holiday time.
What are the most sought-after qualities of these spaces?
It is true that we may come across somewhat impersonal franchises, as well as places that sell, for example, local food products. The most highly rated qualities of service areas in the rankings are the following:
- Spacious and secure parking (this is greatly appreciated by lorry drivers, for example).
- The quality of the food, especially if the menu is made up of local, fresh and seasonal produce. Serving meals and large portions 24 hours a day is another plus.
- The possibility of filling up the fuel tank at a low price.
- The cleanliness of the facilities, toilets and showers (in the latter case, if there are any).
- The availability of other services, from a mechanical workshop and car wash to a launderette or parapharmacy, or Wi-Fi to get connected.
- The upkeep and maintenance of the facilities.
- Prices and the friendly treatment of users by staff.