VisitEngland
Tourist board VisitEngland were tasked with inspecting all of England's motorway services on an annual basis, starting in 2011.
The idea of an independent rating system which has its results advertised on signs has been suggested many times, but it was Circular 01/2008 which eventually prompted the system to be introduced.
The ratings, which can be between one and five stars but are usually no less than three, are displayed on plaques at the front of the services.