An MEP claims the latest hike in charges to use the M6 Toll could drive more traffic onto the traffic-clogged A5 near Great Wyrley.

West Midlands UKIP member Mike Nattrass, who is a member of the EU’s Transport and Tourism Committee, says the sixth rise in fees to use the route in just seven years, could price more and more vehicles off the road and onto the A5. Last July, Mr Nattrass attacked Tory plans to slash public spending through forcing motorists to pay tolls on newly-built roads.

In a television interview that month, Tory party leader David Cameron said he was “happy to look at road tolls” under plans to cut public spending. His statements were attacked by Mr Nattrass who said the Tories’ stance would drive more motorists onto minor roads causing traffic problems in residential areas.

Mr Nattrass said residents in Great Wyrley could see more traffic pour onto the A5 as a result of the new increase in charges to use the M6 Toll which are due to come into effect next month

Midland Expressway Ltd in increasing the charges for cars on weekdays by 30p to £5 and by 60p for vans and lorries using the road – taking the charge up to £10.

“I am deeply concerned by these new charge increases. More and more traffic will use other roads, like the A5, to avoid these hikes,” Mr Nattrass said.

“Residents in Great Wyrley will see more road congestion on local roads as a result of these charge increases. It is simply unacceptable. With the economy still in a fragile state it is pure folly to propose hikes on the M6 Toll.

“Notwithstanding the fact that the EU is intending to extend the network of toll motorways under the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) directive, the M6 Toll is a prime example of the way in which the EU rides rough shod over local and national issues.

“Furthermore, there has been a significant increased loading on the surrounding road network, as heavy lorr-ies in particular have been priced off the M6 Toll,” he added.