Drivers quizzed on M-way stations

Ministers want drivers to take more breaks on long journeys

Road users are being asked for their views on service stations and lay-bys on motorways and major roads.

The Highways Agency also wants to know what drivers think about picnic sites.

The government said the aim of its three-month consultation was to encourage motorists to take more breaks to cut tiredness-related accidents.

Roads Minister Stephen Ladyman said England's 68 motorway stations were already making an "important contribution" to road safety.

'Not destinations'

Government guidelines recommend drivers should rest for at least 20 minutes every two hours.

The Highways Agency is seeking views on the best distance at which to place stations from one another.

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It also wants to know about service areas on trunk roads, motorway picnic facilities, lorry parking and the provision and use of lay-bys.

But "the long-standing requirement that motorway service areas should not become destinations in their own right will remain unchanged", the agency said.

Mr Ladyman said: "Motorway service areas and roadside facilities such as lorry parks, trunk road service areas and lay-bys make an important contribution to road safety as places where drivers can stop to take a break.

"Our aim is roadside facilities that are maintained to a high standard and meet the needs of all road users."

Value for money

Under current laws, motorway service stations have to include picnic areas, along with free toilets, disabled facilities, free parking and 24-hour fuel sales.

Stand-alone motorway picnic sites - like those seen in France - are banned.

The Highways Agency's consultation document asks whether this should change.

The government says it wants to work with service station providers to improve quality and value for money, but it has ruled out introducing a pricing policy.