Kent's major roadside stops experienced mixed results following a nationwide survey on the state of motorway service areas.

Commissioned by independent passenger watchdog Transport Focus, it rated all of England's service areas on satisfaction levels of customers as they emerged from the site.

Coming out top was the Norton Canes services on the M6 toll road near Birmingham. Operated by Roadchef, it saw 100% of customers say they were either very or fairly satisfied.

However, the Folkestone Stop24 services off the M20 was the only site out of 112 not to allow the survey to take place.

Elsewhere, the Maidstone services on the M20, operated by Roadchef, received an 87% rating - down from 91% the year before.

There was also a slight dip for the coastbound services on the M2 at Medway, operated by Moto. It dropped from 87% to 85%.

However, the westbound services - which are connected by a walkway - saw a very different response with 97% of customers satisfied, compared to 84% in 2017.

On average, across all service areas, there was a 92% satisfacton level.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, said: “As the summer holiday getaway gets into full swing it’s good to see motorway services customers feel they get a good experience.

“Motorway services play an important role in providing the break motorists need. Drivers tell us they feel less stressed and more awake.

“Motorway service operators need to focus on ensuring customers see their experience as value for the money they’ve paid – that there is good range of food on offer and that buildings are maintained to a high standard.”

The lowest rating went to Thurrock services on the M25, just over the Dartford Crossing.

It saw a 68% satisfaction rating - although refurbishment work was taking place when the survey took place between February and April.

Overall, 89% of visitors were satisfied with the cleanliness of the toilets and 66% thought the food and drink value for money.

And 24% of visitors said they arrived at the services in a tired, stressed or frustrated frame of mind which dropped to just 5% when leaving to go back on the road.

Added Jeff Halliwell, chair of Transport Focus: "Last year we were pleased to discover that drivers reported much-reduced levels of stress, frustration and tiredness after their visit.

"This year drivers have reported even greater improvements. This is testament to the effective job that MSAs are doing in fulfilling a vital road safety function.

"The survey also highlights some areas where further improvement is desirable and shows where there are differences between the MSA operators."