M6 repairs and M6 Toll - Cut
the price for lorries appeal
May 17, 2004
The Freight Transport Association has called on Midland Expressway Limited,
operators of the M6 Toll, to cut their price for trucks during the period
from June when major roadworks on the M6 itself are likely to generate
severe congestion on that road and on roads in the surrounding area.
FTA has been disappointed by the fact that lorries have been charged £10
for using the M6 Toll since the road opened last December, and blames
the high fee for the fact that few are presently using the road.
In a letter to the road operator, FTA Chief Executive Richard Turner
says, ‘We have had a long-standing disagreement about the proper
level of tolls for trucks using your new facility. However, whilst traffic
levels are as they are and the M6 alternative is fully o pen, the argument
was a bit academic because my members had access to a reasonably free-running
alternative. However, the advent of the road works will change this position.
‘Notwithstanding your long term position on truck tolls, could
I ask you to consider a temporary concessionary rate of, say, £5
for a large truck to use your route during the period of these road works.
‘This would be a very public spirited action during what will
be another difficult period in the Birmingham area and I am sure it would
make a welcome contribution to the safety of the maintenance teams working
on the M6.’
Richard Turner has also written to the Highways Agency and asked them
to ensure that the maintenance work on the M6 will be carried out as
quickly as possible, including use of night work, multi-shifting and
narrow lane working. He has told Highways Agency Chief Executive Archie
Robertson that, ‘While the M6 Toll may be quite attractively priced
for car users it is prohibitively priced for most truck operators and
you will be aware that very few trucks use the M6 Toll at present because
of this price barrier. Therefore, I hope you can assure me that these
works will be carried out in a way that will minimise the effects on
through truck traffic on the M6 and not assume that these vehicles will
divert on to the M6 Toll.’
|
