UK’s oldest truck stop
Certas Energy has celebrated a milestone in its mission to improve roadside facilities with the launch of TheStop at The Hollies in Staffordshire.
Formerly known as Road King Cannock (The Hollies), the iconic site recently underwent a significant upgrade and guests gathered at the transport landmark on Monday March 6 for its official reopening.
Customers, suppliers, and representatives from British Parking Association, UK Fuels, Motorway Services Online were among the attendees on the day. After receiving a warm welcome from the Certas Energy team, guests were given tours of the new look site, tucked into The Mega Breakfast, and handed branded merchandise to take home.
Cannock and District Foodbank were also at the event to offer an overview of the charity’s work in the community and to receive a cheque for £603.23 from Certas Energy, following a fundraising drive at the site.
Mike Heaton, Head of Estate Development for Roadside Services, said: “At Certas Energy, we recognise the vital role that HGV drivers play in keeping our economy moving and believe they deserve more from roadside services. The acquisition and refurbishment of our flagship truck stop is the first step towards delivering on our promise to provide safer, more secure, more comfortable – and importantly enjoyable – spaces for HGV drivers to rest and refuel.
“We were delighted to welcome our guests to our special launch event and for the opportunity to make a donation to the nearby Cannock and District Foodbank. The charity is a lifeline for the local community, helping to support those facing economic hardship and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and we are proud to support the important work it does.”
Located just off exit junction 12 of the M6, TheStop at The Hollies is the first truck stop operated by Certas Energy and is strategically important to the development of the company’s Roadside Services offering.
The Watling Street site, which is the oldest truck stop in the UK, was acquired by Certas Energy a year ago and following the major overhaul, it now boasts a café, bar, 15-room hotel, washroom facilities, gaming area, laundrette, truck wash and HGV refuelling bunker. It also offers improved parking facilities, with 230 secure HGV parking spaces per night, as well as CCTV monitoring.
In January before the official launch, TheStop at The Hollies played host to an event by independent watchdog Transport Focus, where industry stakeholders, including roads minister Richard Holden, came together to discuss the best route to better roadside facilities. The event, which was held in partnership with Logistics UK, SNAP and Certas Energy, was designed to give the industry and Government a steer on how best to allocate the pledged £52 million investment – which could be bumped up to £100 million through match funding – to improve driver welfare, safety and security.
Alex Wolfe, Commercial Director for Roadside Services at Certas Energy UK, said: “Certas Energy is committed to helping to raise the bar in roadside services – and where better to start than the UK’s most famous rest stop. This site has served the transport industry for almost 100 years and our vision is for TheStop at The Hollies to become the number one truck stop in the UK, as well as the oldest.
“Our plan is for TheStop sign to become a familiar sight across the country and to help lead the way in the transformation of transportation. We’re in it for the long haul, so watch this space.”
For more information about TheStop at The Hollies, visit thestop.co.uk.
