Motorway service area operator Moto Hospitality has secured a landmark deal with the DfT and National Highways to extend it lease by over 75 years at ten Moto sites, the company has announced today (29 April).
The operator added that the long term extensions will allow it to “unlock” its £500m programme to upgrade its motorway service service areas (MSAs).
The programme includes site redevelopments and EV infrastructure upgrades, including the roll out of 15 eHGV superhub sites.
Moto said it aims to quadruple the number of EV charging hubs at its sites “over the coming years.”. The operator has already launched more than 1,000 ultra rapid charging bays in the past five years.
The MSA said it also has a “roadmap” to install 15 eHGV superhub sites with up to 100 bays, but has not specified the timeline.
The company added: “Recognising the importance of the UK’s HGV sector, Moto plans to further enhance facilities for HGV drivers. Substantial upgrades are expected to include expanded parking capacity, upgraded toilet and shower facilities, and increased security provisions.
“With motorway services forming a critical link in national supply chains, these upgrades are intended to improve both HGV driver wellbeing and operational efficiency across the freight network.”
Moto has also received planning consent for a new MSA at Swindon and a Truck Stop at Wrotham in Kent.
Ken McMeikan, Moto Hospitality chief executive, said: “Securing long term lease extensions at 10 of our key sites allows us to unlock our planned £500m investment programme, another significant step forward for Moto, having already invested more than £300m over the past 5 years.
“With long-term certainty in place, we are very excited about the continued transformation of our offer.
“This planned investment is fantastic news for our customers as we continue to upgrade existing facilities, provide even greater choice of food and drink brands, provide world-class EV charging infrastructure and open new Motorway Service Areas and Truck Stops.”
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said: “The EV revolution is well under way with 1 in 4 new cars sold now electric and more than 119,000 public chargers on UK roads.
“We know access to public charging is crucial in helping people make the switch. That’s why we’re investing £600m and rolling out hundreds of thousands more chargers, including on motorways and A-roads, so drivers can travel with confidence, particularly on long journeys.
“We’re backing industry to rollout more chargers, and it’s great to see businesses like Moto powering up the UK’s electric revolution.”
Elliot Shaw, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at National Highways, added: “We’re proud to have secured this long-term lease agreement with Moto, enabling us to further enhance these vital services that help drivers rest, recharge, and stay safe.
“This deal shows our continued commitment to managing public assets wisely and making sure they benefit everyone.
“It also paves the way for important upgrades, such as expanded electric vehicle charging and HGV driver facilities, supporting our vision for a cleaner, greener transport network.”
