Alliance against the BNRR Birmingham Friends of the Earth West Midlands Transport Campaign

West Midlands Friends of the Earth Press Release: 2nd May 2003

M6 Toll Road - outated before it even opens

The M6 Toll or Birmingham Northern Relief Road will be outdated before it opens, said Friends of the Earth today (2 May '03), as motoring groups and truckers complain over toll rates to be announced next Tuesday (6 May '03).

The 27 mile six lane motorway through Green Belt will be the largest road scheme opened in Britain for over a decade, but will not solve the West Midlands transport problems. Many drivers using the motorway will be forced to queue at continental-style toll booths, despite advances in electronic charging technology. One charge will apply regardless of the distance traveled along the route.

But truckers angry at having to pay more for using the road only have themselves and their trade associations to blame. They did not join Friends of the Earth in arguing at the public inquiry that toll rates should be regulated by Government. So despite recommendations from the public inquiry's inspector, the Government has not taken powers to control MEL's tolls.

Chris Crean, Friends of the Earth's West Midlands Campaigner said:

"The M6 Toll Road is out of date before it has even opened. It has wrecked the local environment, only to provide a poor service to the very people who wanted it. The fact that truckers are already complaining over the level of tolls suggests that many won't use it and that it won't cut congestion in the West Midlands."