'Expensive' M6 Toll's a turn off

Feb 17 2004

By Jon Griffin, Evening Mail

Nearly 90 per cent of Birmingham businesses boycott the M6 Toll because the charges are too high, a survey has revealed. Just one in eight are using the UK’s first toll road to move freight, according to Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The BCI claim comes in the wake of criticism that toll charges are too high for business. Head of BCI policy Debbie Walsh said: “Our figures indicate that generally business are turning their backs on the M6 Toll and we believe the pricing structure is weighted heavily against lorries. Story continues ADVERTISEMENT “With the prospect of charges rising, we can only appeal to the operators to look again. “According to their own figures, revenue is only half what they expected and there has been little impact on relieving congestion on the M6. “It’s time for the operators to review their pricing polices and for the Government to look at introducing some control. What do you think? You've read the story - now tell us what you think. Use the box below to send us your views...  Name:  Email:  Street Name:  City Name:  Comments:      Your words may be used by the Evening Mail and The Birmingham Post “This may be difficult to impose retrospectively, but may be the only way forward to increase usage and make the road serve its intended purpose.” The Chamber’s poll revealed that cost and lack of need were the main reasons for companies turning their backs on the new road. One company said: “Our goods delivery drivers tend to start very early in the morning when M6 traffic is probably light.” And another said: “None of our drivers for freight or goods has asked for us to finance him using it.” jon_griffin@mrn.co.uk

Top | Back | E-mail to a friend | Printable version

Business  News Article
 

Copyright and Trade Mark Notice

© 2012 owned by or licensed to Trinity Mirror Midlands Limited. icBirmingham™ is a trade mark of Trinity Mirror Midlands Limited. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement before using this site.

 

Advertisement Links

Jobs Midlands, Homes Midlands, Classifieds listings for Birmingham Classifieds listings for Coventry, Jobs in Birmingham Local Mole - Local Directory