West Midlands Combined Authority in M6 Toll move

A NEW combined local authority for the West Midlands could call for the M6 Toll to be made free to use.

The BBC has reported that the new West Midlands Combined Authority is preparing a strategy calling on the government to allow it to make the 27-mile stretch of motorway between Coleshill and Cannock free to all drivers.

The move is aimed at freeing up congestion on the region’s existing roads and motorways, which it hopes would allow goods to be moved more easily around the region.

If this is the case then the move will be backed by business; the Black Country Chamber of Commerce has been a long-time advocate of improved road infrastructure to enable freedom of movement.

The M6 Toll is currently operated by the Midland Expressway consortium under a 52-year concession agreement which still has 40 years to run.

The strategy document would also give the super-authority the power to raise its own council tax.

The authority, which comprises seven local authorities from across the West Midlands, has so far made no comment on the matter.

The new super-authority has been formed by councils in Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry and the four Black Country areas as a means of challenging the likes of the Northern Powerhouse.

Having responsibility over transport within the region is a key policy area and should a Metropolitan Mayor-model be adopted for the authority area then he – or she – would have control over the matter.