M6 toll reports surge in usage
THE M6 Toll pay-to-drive motorway has seen a major increase in traffic volumes – even before taking into account this month’s free usage for hauliers.
Figures released by road operator Midland Expressway show daily average volumes rose by more than 11% during the second quarter of this year, compared with the same period last year.
MEL has attributed the increases to the ongoing roadworks on the M6 through Birmingham in connection with the widening of the existing motorway to allow for hard shoulder running.
The figures show that for the three months between April and June the daily average usage was 40,103 vehicles (2012: 36,059), an 11.2% rise.
Despite the increase the figures are well below what the motorway – which marks its tenth anniversary in December – was originally designed for.
The figures for the current quarter are likely to be skewed when compared with last year because of MEL’s decision to allow Road Haulage Association members free use of the road during July. Accordingly, the volumes for July are likely to be the highest since the road opened in 2003 and could well prompt calls for it to be taken back into public use as a managed motorway.
The 27-mile route bypasses the M6 between Coleshill and Cannock. Car drivers currently have to pay £5.50 for a single journey (Monday-Friday 6am-11pm) with HGVs being charged £11 during the same times.
