Drivers charged twice on M6 Toll after roadworks blunder
Drivers on the M6 Toll who came off at the services were forced to pay again when trying to get back onto the motorway due to a roadworks blunder.
The operators of the toll have apologised to motorists who were caught up in the mishap.
It happened over the weekend due to the closure of the northbound exit slip road at the Norton Canes services between junction six and seven.
Several drivers were diverted to get back on at junction six but despite dozens being let off with paying twice, others were not so lucky and were made to stump up the charge for a second time.
District councillor Zaphne Stretton, who represents Norton Canes, lambasted bosses at Midland Expressway who un the M6 Toll.
She said: "I think it is absolutely disgusting.
"The M6 Toll provides a service but in the wrong way.
"I think its time they made it free now.
"For users of the M6 not the toll, it must be horrific at times because of how busy it is.
"In times of austerity we cannot afford to keep paying at the toll let alone to pay double charges."
The M6 Toll opened in 2003 and has always been privately funded but Councillor Stretton called for the road to be made free.
She added: "It must have paid for itself twice over now.
"The Government should take it on and make it free. They should sort it out now.
"This area must be the main user of the toll.
"It would free up all of the congestion along that stretch."
Midland Expressway has apologised and offered to refund drivers who paid twice.
Spokeswoman Maxine Estevez said: "The northbound exit slip road from the services at Norton Cannes was closed to allow essential resurfacing works to be carried out. The works were planned for Saturday night and Sunday morning to limit the impact upon customers.
"The slip road was closed from 9pm until 5am and a diversion route signed via junction six. Customers following the diversion route were granted exemption from payment at junction six.
"In total 27 customers were granted exemption. Unfortunately it appears that some customers did pay.
"We apologise for this inconvenience."
In October, accounts revealed that the M6 Toll recorded a loss of £28.6million for the previous 12 months despite traffic increasing by 5.2 per cent on the previous year.
Anyone who paid twice is asked to call customers services on 0330 6600790 for a refund.
