Drivers could pay £5 to use hard shoulder

Motorists using the M6 through Staffordshire and the West Midlands could pay up to £5 to avoid jams by using the motorway hard shoulder.

As part of a £6 billion congestion-busting package announced by the Government, drivers will be allowed to use the hard shoulder from Junction 11a near Cannock to Junction 19 at Knutsford, one of the most congested motorway routes in the country, following a successful pilot scheme on the M42, which increased traffic flow, reduced accidents and exhaust fumes.

Plans to also open up the hard shoulder on the so-called Birmingham Box of the M6, M5 and M42 will move forward this summer when the Department for Transport gives the go ahead to a contract later this summer.

Hard shoulder running involves the use of electronic signs and cameras to actively manage traffic and speed.

Ruth Kelly, Transport Secretary, confirmed ministers are now looking into the practicality of turning the extra lane on at least four motorways into dedicated toll lanes.

Other options include using the lane for car-sharing vehicles, only charging drivers who are not carrying passengers, or turning it into a crawler lane for lorries and caravans.

Although the fee for the toll lane has not been set, sources suggested it would be in the region of £5, levied during peak hours rather than round the clock.

Mrs Kelly said: "I am determined to get the best from our road network so that motorists in the West Midlands have reliable journey times on roads that are safe and well-managed."

Simon Tulitt, divisional director for policy from South Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "The impact of congestion charging is costing UK businesses £17 billion a year.

"Opening more hard shoulders, we think, is a positive move and we know the M42 pilot has worked really well but we don't think this can be a long term solution."

Hard shoulder running will now be introduced on 500 miles of motorway, including the M3 and M4 coming into London.