M6 toll under fire on its 10th anniversary

THE M6 TOLL Road has reached its 10th anniversary but faces criticism that it only carries half the number of vehicles originally anticipated.

Launched in 2003 as a 27-mile stretch of relief road around Birmingham, the M6 Toll runs between Cannock and Coleshill.

However, roads campaigners say it has not benefitted to local area or the UK roads network. There is also criticism of the environmental damage caused by building the road.

When it was completed, the M6 Toll was supposed to carry 75,000 vehicles per day but currently averages 36,000 vehicles each day.

It is claimed by critic the M6 Toll is too expensive and this puts off many drivers from using it.

However, Tom Fanning, Chief Executive of Midland Expressway, said: It’s ridiculous to say the Toll Road has not brought any benefits to the area. It carries up to 50,000 vehicles per day, which would otherwise be driving on other roads, so congestion is eased by the Toll Road.’

By Press Association reporters