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Nattrass attacks hike in M6 toll
Monday, 1st March 2010
Transport bosses have fallen in behind UKIP MEP and transport spokesman Mike Nattrass in slamming the price hike on the M6 toll road, effective from today.
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) supports Nattrass’ view that the price rise, enforced by Midland Expressway, will prove damaging to business and a major nuisance for residents as hauliers are forced to use inappropriate routes.
Mr Nattrass, UKIP MEP for the West Midlands and a member of the EU’s Transport and Tourism Committee says roads such as the already-busy A5 near Great Wyrley and the stretch of the M6 near Beechdale will bear the brunt of the displaced traffic.
He said: “In a press interview last week Midland Expressway chief executive Thomas Fanning attacked my claims that the M6 Toll was not working.
“I now say to Midland Expressway if the route is working why are fewer and fewer motorists using this route and why is the road not taking the excess traffic off the M6?”
He added: “We should not have a toll at all. The road should be free and should never have been sold to the private sector. The toll should be nationalised.”
As of today (March1), the weekday toll for car drivers has risen 30p to £5 with the cost to vans and lorries rising 60p to £10.
An FTA spokesman said: “The inflation-busting increases being foisted on HGV operators who use the M6 Toll road is bad for business, other motorists and the environment.
“Even more lorries will avoid the £700m-plus bypass, adding to congestion on the already over-burdened M6, a strategic gateway for commercial goods vehicle deliveries.”
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