M6 Toll charges are on the rise

By akeller

CHARGES for cars, vans and lorries to use the M6 Toll are set to rise, although the tariff for motorbikes will stay frozen at the current rate.

Operator Midland Expressway Limited (MEL) said the new toll prices will apply from 6am on Monday, March 1.

It means cars will pay 30p more to use the pay-as-you-go motorway during weekdays, pushing the bill up to £5 per journey.

Cars with trailers, vans and HGVs will be charged an extra 60p, increasing the cost to either £9 or £10, depending on category.

Motorcycles will stay on the current tariff of £2.70.

Changes are restricted to main toll plaza weekday rates and include January's new VAT rates.

Both night and weekend rates at main toll plazas, and all rates at local junction plazas, remain unchanged.

MEL boss Tom Fanning said the road is now 'recognised as a world-class motorway'.

"The M6 Toll opened in late 2003 and still remains the most reliable route through the West Midlands," he said.

"The announced 2010 tolling programme will allow further investment in delivering an excellent driving experience for the reliable journey on which our customers depend."

A £900 million development, the M6 Toll is Britain's first privately-funded motorway.

It stretches for 27 miles from junction 11a on the M6 near Cannock to rejoin the M6 at junction 3a at Coleshill.

Drivers can save five per cent on each journey by using a pay-in-advance M6 Toll tag, which also enables them to drive through without stopping.