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An MP has called for the M6 Toll to be temporarily suspended when congestion on surrounding roads becomes critical in order to relieve local traffic.
Speaking in the House of Commons on April 18 Julian Knight, MP for Solihull, called for "fundamental reform of how it operates, especially during gridlock and crises".
Knight said that on 4 February when a serious crash closed the M6 for 24 hours surrounding roads suffered from significant congestion, however, the M6 Toll was not heavily congested. He also pointed out that a system named Operation Freeway that should open the M6 Toll for free has been designed for this kind of situation but has not been used.
"Our country's only toll motorway was originally designed as the Birmingham relief road, but it brings no relief, so it does not serve the function for which it was originally intended," said Knight.
"High prices have driven ordinary motorists from the road, creating a rich person's motorway, which is underutilised even in normal, everyday conditions."
Knight's added: "If the M6 Toll is to serve the best interests of the West Midlands and our economy, as it was built to do, we must see fundamental reform of how it operates, especially during gridlock and crises. There are several options to consider. We could move towards a system in which the toll road is free to use during periods of gridlock, with an annual fee paid to the operator to secure that service and access."
Responding to the comments, Andrew Jones, under secretary of state for transport, said that he would seek input from those involved about possible improvements to be worked into the Government's future plans.
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