M6 Toll price hike will 'deter drivers' says AA president
The hike in prices on the M6 Toll is a step 'too far' for beleaguered motorists says the president of the AA
M6 Toll prices rose this week despite several high-profile figures speaking out against the move.
Operator Midland Expressway claimed the rise had been 'carefully set to ensure that we continue the significant growth in HGV traffic on the M6 Toll that we saw in 2017'.
The price for cars rose by between 30p and 50p per journey, for light goods vehicles by 10p to 30p and for heavy goods vehicles by 20p to 50p, depending on the journey made.
It was thought that the company may have reconsidered the move after a backlash from several high-profile figures from the West Midlands.
A letter signed by the mayor and leaders of each of the combined authority’s seven constituent authorities last month stated that they were 'extremely disappointed' in the decision to raise prices.
Edmund King, President of the AA, spoke of how he did not think raising prices would encourage motorists to use the toll road.
“This is a toll hike too far,” he said.
“A 50p or 8.5 per cent increase for car drivers driving on the M6 Toll during working hours in the week will hardly encourage further usage.
“The objective should be to spread the congestion load from the current M6 rather than to deter drivers through higher prices.
“The M6 Toll was originally planned as a free public highway (Birmingham Northern Relief Road) with an objective of reducing chronic congestion in the West Midlands.
“However the pricing policy means it has always been under-used and never meet the original targets.”
Despite protests, however, the price hike went into effect at 6am on Monday.
As part of its price changes, Midlands Expressway has also launched a new ‘Hopper’ for local drivers, offering unlimited journeys through the week for a maximum price of £20 per week.
