Developments and incidents at petrol stations highlight community safety concerns and infrastructure planning.
Plans for new advertising boards at the Esso service station on Kings Drive, Eastbourne, have been conditionally approved, sparking concerns over road safety. The proposed installation will feature static images on rotation every ten seconds, aimed at attracting drivers' attention. Eastbourne Borough Councillor David Small expressed strong objections, stating, "I wish to object to the proposed installation of a digital advertising sign at the petrol station on Kings Drive. Bright, dynamic digital advertising is intended to attract drivers' attention, thereby reducing their focus on driving. This clearly creates an entirely avoidable hazard." Small emphasized the location's significance, noting, "Kings Drive is a key route... with this petrol station being directly opposite the hospital and East Sussex College," raising concerns of safety for the numerous pedestrians crossing the road.
Meanwhile, concerns for safety were mirrored on the A48 highway, where traffic had to be rerouted following reports of obstruction due to a vehicle collision near another Esso station. Gloucestershire Police responded to the scene of the crash, which involved two vehicles, including a truck. They reported, "Nobody is believed to have been injured but the road is currently closed... It is likely to remain shut for the next hour, and motorists are advised to find an alternative route." The incident took place around 10:45 am on February 24, creating significant delays as emergency crews worked to clear the debris.
Tragedy struck again nearby less than 24 hours earlier at the Newton Heath petrol station in Manchester, where emergency crews were called to assist a man found unconscious behind the wheel of his car. Preliminary reports suggested smoke was coming from the vehicle, indicating he had experienced some form of medical episode. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the unfortunate outcome, stating, "The man was taken to hospital... where he sadly later died. There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances at this time." This incident emphasizes the unpredictability of medical emergencies, especially behind the wheel.
On another front, plans are underway to develop a new roadside service station at Minehead, catering to both petrol and electric vehicle needs. Proposed by Forelle Estates Ltd, the development aims to address the lack of refueling options along the A39 between Bridgwater and Minehead, where the only current fuel facility is located at Williton. The proposal, submitted to Somerset Council, includes not just petrol stations but also electric vehicle charging stations, responding to the increasing demand for greener transport solutions. Joshua Reid of planning consultancy Alder King remarked, "The application proposal... aims to provide much needed fast-charging facilities. The EV charging infrastructure... is currently limited... this proposal will offer tourists... convenient place to charge their EV as they are arriving or departing from their visit."
The development includes plans for retail space, featuring a café and convenience store, and is projected to create 35 jobs, including 10 full-time positions. The vision is to create comprehensive roadside amenities to support both locals and the tourist population, especially as electric vehicle adoption increases. Reid noted, "It is anticipated as the take up of electric vehicles accelerates... the demand for petrol and diesel will drop," highlighting the potential for future adaptability of the site.
While the opposing views on the new advertising board remind us of community safety issues, the proposed service station embodies the necessary infrastructure evolution to meet changing travel and energy needs. The juxtaposition of these events paints a complex picture of how petrol stations can serve not just as refueling stops but also as community hubs in the rapidly changing transportation era.