M6 toll increase no justification says FTA

The Freight Transport Association has criticised the recent announcement by the operator of the M6 Toll that it will increase its rates from 1 January 2007. From this date, the 'day' rate for HGVs using the M6 Toll will increase to £8.00 – an increase of over 14 per cent. The 'day' rate for cars will also rise by 14 per cent, to £4.00.

FTA's Head of Policy for the Midlands, Wales & South West, Stephen Kelly, said, 'Ever since the M6 Toll opened, lorry traffic has been conspicuous by its absence. This dearth of commercial traffic can be directly attributed to the toll pricing structure. The uplift in the toll rate for vans and trucks reinforces the existing position whereby these vehicles are priced off the M6 Toll and on to the M6.

'It is frustrating to see that the M6 Toll, which forms part of the UK's network of Trade Routes, is under-utilised, whilst the M6 to the north of Birmingham is solid with traffic for long periods of the day. The rise in the toll rate for cars will make this congested part of the road network even worse as motorists divert onto the M6 to avoid paying the charge.

'FTA was strongly supportive of the construction of the M6 Toll and it is therefore very disappointing that the road has failed to attract substantial lorry traffic. M6 Toll should be a route of choice for industry, not just a premium rate congestion bypass for wealthy motorists.'

For further information call:

Stephen Kelly
Head of Policy – Midlands, Wales & South West
mob: 07818 450491

Geoff Dossetter
External Affairs Director
dtel: 01892 552255
mob: 07818 450500