They are famous for overpriced pasties, lines of arcade machines and cut-price camping chairs.
But the humble motorway services could be about to change, depending on the response to a new draft policy on roadside facilities unveiled today by the Highways Agency.
The document has been published by the Agency for a six week public consultation.
The Highways Agency has reviewed the existing policy and issued a 12 week call for evidence which asked the views of road users, industry and other interested parties which closed in February of this year.
The draft policy sets out how the Agency will regulate service areas and rest areas in the future.
The draft shows the Agency is prepared to consider a number of new ideas which 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.
There is also a proposal to develop a new quality standard award for service facilities in partnership with the British Tourist Authority.