Reading your many parking letters it seems that the original reason for motorway services - to provide a safe resting and refreshment place on motorways - has been forgotten. My daughter drove one night from Stoke-on-Trent to Devon for a short break (she is a care worker, working nights) and she stopped in Bridgewater Services at around 3.30am for a rest. She did fall asleep in her car and left at around 6.40am to complete her journey. She was horrified to receive a £50 "fine" (with a threat of double if not paid quickly). It seems she did not notice (in the middle of the night), nor was aware of, the two-hour limit.

She is scrupulous in ensuring she never risks a penalty payment or fine when parking and we have paid this rather than waste any time in protracted debates. I must say their cameras are very efficient at taking pictures of cars entering and leaving, clearly getting a good return on their investment in technology. Yes, she exceeded her stay and broke the "rules"; however to me it's just another sign of the rotten rip-off country we are rapidly becoming if you cannot stop for a rest like this in the night on a motorway. Now what was the reason for the services in the first place? I would strongly propose that all those signs on the Motorway encouraging drivers to take a break have a tag line added "for two hours or less".