Motorists have been helping themselves to petrol in Abbots Langley this week. But before you jump into your car in search of free fuel, heed this warning: You will have to pay for it!

The first of a chain of self-service petrol statings selling Apex petrol at 8d off for the top grades opened in Breakspear Road on Tuesday.

Customers help themselves and pay at a cash desk.

Commented Miss Joan Buchanan, an operator supervisor: “Motorists seem to be tickled at being able to serve themselves. They think it’s marvellous.”

The station requires only one attendant, a woman, who has the power to immobilise the pumps from her office by pressing a button.

This particular device is essential, for motorists may forget or neglect to put out their cigarettes on arrival.

[From the Watford Observer of May 28, 1965]