The Highways Agency has kicked off a public consultation on motorway services. It will publish a paper next week (week beginning November 19) inviting the public to describe the sort of place that would tempt them to take more frequent breaks. But any demands for alcoholic drinks will not meet receptive ears. The government says this is strictly off limits at restaurants, shops and hotels at motorway service areas. The news comes as Mintel predicts a slump in the service station industry from £530m to £512m within five years. But The Times says roadside catering companies are already trying to fight the drop by demanding freedom from the strict legal constraints that govern their operations. The Times 18/11/06 page 17