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Residents' anger over M6 Toll hikes


Incensed residents who live just yards from the busy M6 fear the proposed hikes in charges to use the M6 Toll will drive even more traffic onto the congested motorway in Walsall.

Residents in Beechdale claim increasing charges on the Toll will push more traffic off the route and onto the M6 near to their homes in Beechdale.

Furious residents, members of the Murdock Way Residents Association and UKIP MEP Mike Nattrass, believe hiking toll charges is a recipe for disaster and could lead to more traffic and pollution near to homes in Murdock Way and surrounding roads.

Mr Nattrass is due to meet with residents on the estate later this week as work is set to take place on February 19 to install gantries as part of the controversial M6 expansion scheme in Walsall.

The expansion will see the hard shoulder opened up to rush hour traffic, but West Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass believes if the M6 Toll has proved to be a disaster.

“I don’t agree with the road being in private hands – the M6 Toll is hardly being used by motorists and increasing charges to use the Toll will only discourage more drivers from using the route,” said Mr Nattrass who is a member of the EU’s Transport & Tourism Committee.

“Hiking charges will push more traffic onto minor roads, onto roads such as the A5 near Great Wyrley and onto the M6 near Walsall.

“The residents in Beechdale are already suffering enough from noise from the M6. This will simply get worse when the Toll charge hikes are introduced next month."

Alan Sanders, chairman of the Murdock Way Residents Association, said: “Every time I look outside of my window and look at the motorway it is at a standstill.

“Motorists just can’t afford to use the Toll – as a result of the hikes to use the Toll the M6 near my home will become even more congested and the extra lane on the M6 will just not work.

“We should not have a Toll. The road should be free. The situation is totally outrageous.”

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

The new charges include an increase of 30p for weekday mainline Day Class 2 (car) to £5 and an increase of 60p for vans and lorries using the road (taking the charge up to £10.)

 

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