Free M6 Toll not ruled out by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin
The Transport Secretary has refused to rule out opening up the M6 Toll for free use during major accidents on nearby road networks.
Patrick McLoughlin said he is looking at a number of options over how best to use the route, including the possibility of suspending the toll when there is major disruption on the M6.
It comes as Operation Freeway – the agreement that gives the Transport Secretary the power to open up the toll – was due to be renewed today.
Mr McLoughlin told the Express & Star: "We will always look at what contingency measures we can have where there is a major disruption.
"The toll being used is something we want to look at.
"We'll facilitate that contract we have had in the past again."
The West Midlands Police commissioner David Jamieson has called for extra powers to be handed to police, motorway bosses and politicians to order the opening of the M6 Toll.
Mr Jamieson's plan has been backed by South Staffordshire's Tory MP Gavin Williamson, who has argued that the toll does not provide value for money.
Mr McLoughlin said he is always willing to look at localising powers to suspend payment on the route.
"It is important to remember that it was a privately built and financed road done by a company, so one has to have respect for their rights as well," he added. "I will look at the representations being made. I will always look at any suggestions which are put to us that are financially feasible."
The M6 Toll has been put up for sale by the consortium of 27 banks that own it in a bid to get back the £1.9 billion they are owed.
The group, which took over in 2013, includes international banking giants like France's Credit Agricole and Germany's Commerzbank. The 27-mile route, which opened at the end of 2003, initially struggled amid claims that prices were too high, although traffic numbers have risen over the last two years.
In 2014, toll operating company Midland Expressway cut its losses to £28.6m, from £32.5m the year before.
It currently charges cars £5.50 and lorries up to £11 to use the road.
M6 Toll bosses say that opening the toll for free use costs them £300,000.
