Service stations on Britain’s motorways could be forced to display prices of cheaper rivals, under plans being looked at in Downing Street.
The new 10 Downing Street policy unit is considering ways of bringing down costs at the stations – which average 7.5p higher than elsewhere for petrol and 8p for diesel.
The scheme is the first major idea from the unit since Boris Johnson’s brother Jo was brought in as its new chief.
Options now being considered include introducing a rule that prices have to be visible on the motorway, rather than just when drivers reach the forecourt.
Highways Agency signs showing distances to the next service station could be adapted to feature their current fuel rates.
Another possibility is to copy the French system, where stations are also required to publish prices at their two nearest rivals.
A Number 10 source said: “There is nothing more frustrating than pulling off the motorway to find a sky high petrol or diesel price.
“Giving people more information whilst they are still on the motorway will mean a greater choice about where they fill up, and should help drive down prices.
“We have acted already on energy prices, to ensure people get put on the lowest tariff, and we will look at other areas to see what more we can do.”
An Office of Fair Trading report earlier this year found motorway fuel prices, which currently only have to show their own prices, were far higher than other outlets.
Providers will not be forced to slash their prices under the changes but ministers believe greater transparency would encourage more fairness.
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