Motorway service stations may have to forewarn drivers of fuel prices under new rules

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David Cameron has ordered his new Downing Street policy unit to examine methods of enforcing a rule that requires motorway service stations to display the cost of fuel to tackle petrol profiteering.

New procedures could require service stations to clearly display the cost of fuel on signs leading up to the motorway exit and even display rivals' prices to create a more transparent system.
Jo Johnston heads up the new policy unit that has been created by the prime minister to prioritise cost-of-living issues and this particular suggestion could lead to digital signs springing up at the side of busy motorways.

The signs will display fuel prices at the next service station, giving drivers the option to hold on for cheaper fuelling stations.

The suggestion has come after an Office of Fair Trading report found that certain service stations were selling petrol at 7.5p a litre above the average price and diesel at as much as 8.3p per litre.

Many motorists were seemingly unaware of the astronomical prices until they had turned off the motorway.

A display system, similar to the one proposed, is already in use in France where the government requires motorway service stations to advertise the price of petrol for subsequent outlets even if they are run by different companies.

The proposals are the first to come out of the prime minister's new policy unit, which is looking to tackle the issues which worry the majority of households.