Time to nationalise M6 Toll, says Staffordshire MP
The M6 Toll should be nationalised or handed to another company to manage, a top Tory MP has said.
South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson has written to roads minister Andrew Jones asking him to explore possible nationalisation.
Mr Williamson said: "This road is a vital artery in the West Midlands economy and plays an important role in reducing congestion and creating economic development opportunities.
"Sadly with the fees as they are and the poor management of the road I think something more could be done if the ownership of the M6 Toll was in different hands, including possibly owned by an agency of the government.
"I think if in the future an opportunity became available in order to bring the M6 Toll into public ownership is something which should be looked at. A new approach has to be taken to the M6 Toll which encourages people to use it.
"This would involve making it accessible and cheaper for people to use, which would provide a great benefit and significantly alleviate congestion on the M6 and access onto the M5."
The 27-mile M6 Toll, from Cannock to Coleshill, is Britain's first pay-to-drive motorway. The operator of the M6 Toll recorded a loss of £28.6 million last year despite an increase in use.
It has come in for heavy criticism for its prices, £5.50 for a car and £11 for a lorry at peak times, which deter many drivers from using it and mean the M6 remains congested.
M6 Toll chief executive Andy Pearson said: "We are unable to comment upon communications which we are not aware of and have not seen. However, I would be delighted to speak directly with any local MPs who would wish to gain a better understanding of our business.
"We are delighted to report that strong growth in traffic has continued into the fourth quarter of this year which showed overall traffic up by over 14 per cent on the same period last year and average daily traffic in the period of over 51,800 vehicles."
