A couple of new signs have appeared recently on my little stretch of the M5 – the bit between Taunton and Bristol. They are identical, at about a ten mile interval? They annoy me every time I drive past them, to the point where this weekend I made fiancé drive past extra slowly so that I could take a picture and rant about them.
This is it:
This sign tells me three things:
One – someone, somewhere, had a massively underspent motorway road sign budget. How else can you justify it? How much must it cost to have made this sign, connected it up with the petrol stations, get it set up, and then maintain it? And to what end?? (See points two and three.)
Two – petrol on the motorway is a complete rip off. If you have been foolish enough to leave your refuelling until you’re on the M5, (which is me obviously), this sign acts as a helpful reminder of what an idiot you are.
Three – just in case you weren’t now depressed enough, it then goes on to let you know that there’s no point even hanging on a bit longer, as you will be ripped off by exactly the same amount for the next 39 miles. Haha! You feel really stupid now don’t you?
How are these signs helpful to anyone? What do they achieve other than making you feel bad about your own lack of petrol related planning?
They are almost as stupid as the ‘sign not in use’ signs.
Ergh.
I’ve noticed this and thought exactly the same thing! There was one occasion where there was a price difference of about 1p but at the end of the day most people only refuel on the motorway when they are about to run out so a sign saying that waiting another 40 miles would save you a few pennies is ridiculous! Such a waste of time x
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I just dread to think how much it cost! It’s almost funnier when it’s a penny different – it’s like saying ‘Look! We save you 5p! Oh hang on…’
haha this IS a daft sign! I’m terrible and often don’t even pay attention to how much petrol is – I just fill up at the nearest station!
what a ridiculous sign!!!
“Sign Not in Use” always makes me laugh! Totally pointless. lol x
We recently drove down to Weston-Super-Mare and saw one of these and thought more or less the same thing – why would anyone buy fuel on the motorway and at those prices? Especially when there is usually a petrol station just off the motorway which is always cheaper and can easily be found via a simple search on your smartphone. Total waste of money if you ask me!
I’m sorry but I know this really annoyed you, but this post has really made me chuckle out loud in the coffee shop…I love your rants and always agree with everything. You’d get on with my dad, I’ve forwarded him a couple of your posts and he thinks you’re always spot on too. Maybe you and him should start a campaign, I’d vote for you! x
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Thank you! :-)
haha I’ve never seen a ‘sign not in use’ sign!! that’s hilarious, what the hell is it for? x