Motorway service area (MSA) operators have been invited to respond to the Government’s consultation document on changes to laws on roadside restaurants and cafés.

In a statement issued by the Highways Agency (HA) yesterday, the Government said it intends to update current laws that restrict roadside advertising and limit retail space at MSA’s.

The HA statement said: “The Government wishes to see the provision of roadside facilities maintained and to seek ways to enhance this provision, so as to improve services for motorists and lorry drivers, but not so that service stations become destinations in their own right.”

Operators, which include the three big players – RoadChef, Welcome Break and Moto – have until 8 February to respond.

In the past, they have claimed they are hampered by current laws because they limit roadside advertising and ban alcohol sales at co-located hotels.

Click here for the HA announcement.

By Tom Bill

E-mail your comments to Tom Bill here.

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