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Toll to face jam payout
Jan 20 2004
By Ben Hurst, Evening Mail
M6 toll bosses were today braced for a flood of claims for compensation by drivers held up in two-mile queues.
The road has been advertised as a free-flowing alternative to the packed M6, but yesterday roadworks caused chaos during the morning rush.
Car drivers who paid the £2 fee hoping for a clear journey were stuck in nose-to-tail jams in the southbound carriageway near Langley Mill, while the M6 through Birmingham flowed freely.
Two lanes have been coned off for work to deal with rainwater collecting on the surface failing to drain away.
Russell Eden, of the Association of British Drivers, said motorists would have a good case.
"The M6 Toll has been advertised as being a clear road without any hold-ups. If this isn't happening, then drivers will be looking for compensation.
"There is suspicion that the road was rushed to get it ready for Christmas, which is why we have problems now."
In the M6 Toll's first month it has also been hit by further lane closures near the junction with the A38 to repair uneven road surface.
The M6 Toll is advertised as "fast, effective relief from the M6" and "offering you reliably shorter journey times through the West Midlands."
A spokesman for the M6 Toll said: "We apologise to customers inconvenienced and request that those who feel they were severely inconvenienced write in to our customer services department in the first instance explaining the particular circumstances for our consideration."
People can write to Customer Services, Midland Expressway Ltd, Operations Centre, off Watling Street, Weeford, Lichfield, WS14.
