Views sought on roadside facilities

Business drivers are being asked for their views on motorway services and other roadside facilities.

The Highways Agency has recently published a new draft policy for providing such facilities on England's strategic roads and drivers can now comment on the document which covers provision of motorway rest areas, lorry parking, service areas on trunk roads and the use of lay-bys.

It also looks at the location of motorway service areas; determining the need for such sites and the spacing interval between them.

The consultation period will give motorists, operating companies and other interested parties an opportunity to consider the draft policy and give the agency their views.

According to the document, the Highways Agency is now prepared to consider a number of new ideas that could lead to motorway service areas being used for conference facilities, coach interchanges or to provide a base for park and ride or park and share.

Any development planned for service areas would be assessed using a system of impact assessment in order to protect the countryside and ensure that service areas do not become destinations in their own right.

There is also a proposal to develop a new quality standard award for service facilities in partnership with the British Tourist Authority.