Express & Star

M6 Toll could be made FREE to use, reveals leaked report

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The M6 Toll would be made cheaper or even free to use under confidential plans by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

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Council leaders have submitted a bid for devolved powers to have an elected mayor set the council tax across the region and have the authority oversee Birmingham Airport. It also proposes reforms of the police and fire service.

And it can be revealed the authority wants £15 million to first reduce the cost of using the road for hauliers, with the aim of eventually making it free. Details of the document were leaked and council bosses have refused to discuss them, saying they are at a very early stage. The operators of the M6 Toll, Midland Expressway, said they had not been consulted and it would be 'inappropriate to comment on something which is currently speculative'.

It is understood the document is seen as a 'starting point' for negotiations with the government for powers and funding normally administered by Whitehall. A source close to the negotiations told the Express & Star: "We believe it is the right thing to do to make the M6 Toll free to use. The government has been spending millions on improving the main M6, which would not be as necessary if the M6 Toll were not so expensive.

"We see a tangible benefit to cutting congestion on the motorways, helping to make the West Midlands a more attractive place for people to invest."

It currently costs up to £11 for a lorry or coach to go on the M6 Toll and £5.50 for a car.

The road opened in 2003 and was Britain's first ever pay to drive motorway.