Are petrol stations open on New Year’s Day? Opening and closing times

THE New Year period sees a lot of businesses close for the bank holidays with roads notably quieter during this time.

Yet, with many still wanting to meet up with their family and friends, they will need to fill up at their local petrol station – so is yours open near you on New Year’s Day?

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Are motorway service stations open on New Year’s Eve?

All motorway service stations must remain open for fuel, parking and toilets 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

It is part of their licence to never close to give drivers a break on their journeys.

You’ll be able to refuel on New Year’s Day at any motorway services station around the UK – yet the other facilities within the buildings may have different opening hours.

Make sure you check and plan for your journey before you get on the road.

Are petrol stations on smaller roads open over New Year?

The same rules don’t apply to A-road service and petrol stations, so they do not have to open on bank holidays.

Some large petrol stations may choose to open anyway, but other stations might not.

New Year’s Day is a bank holiday, so you’ll want to check ahead to see the opening times at your nearest forecourt or any along your route if you’re travelling.

For example, you can check here to see which Asda pumps are near you.

Companies will often have station locators that you can use to find out opening and closing times. Esso have one, for example, as well as Shell.

If you’re travelling, make sure to check your car over to avoid a breakdown on the way.

It’s best to read up on the rules about driving the day after drinking, because you might not realise it’s not safe to be on the road.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk