More drivers snub M6 toll

Drivers and hauliers are deserting the M6 Toll motorway over its hefty prices.

Traffic on Britain's first pay-as-you-go motorway has dropped by 10 per cent in a year, with lorry drivers saying they will not use it unless prices drop.

But bosses at Midland Expressway Limited (MEL), which runs the private route, still plan to go ahead with price increases which will take effect from next year.

Cars using the 27-mile motorway will pay an extra 50p while vans and HGVs will pay an extra £1.

Pete Kirkham, who runs Cannock-based KHL Haulage, said: "The M6 Toll was never intended for hauliers at those prices.

"If they halved the price they'd get people using it both ways, but they don't want that because it means more wear and tear."Andy Aldred, transport manager for WD Cooper Transport Ltd, said: "We just have to accept that we've got to sit on the motorway."

In September last year 55,500 vehicles used the road each day.

New figures reveal that number has dropped by around 5,000 a day.

Bosses at the motorway, which links junction four of the M6 in Warwickshire to junction 11A near Cannock, say the prices will come into force from 6am on Tuesday January 1.

Tom Fanning, chief executive of MEL, said: "We are providing an excellent service for our customers and the M6 Toll remains excellent value for money."

The new prices will see cars paying £4.50 at peak times with vans paying £9 and HGVs paying £9.

By Daniel Wainwright