M6 Toll Cost: Is It Worth It?

If you've ever driven through the Midlands, you've probably wondered whether the M6 Toll is worth the cost.

Designed to bypass congestion on the regular M6, this privately operated motorway promises faster, more reliable journeys - but at a price.

M6 Toll History

The M6 Toll was developed as a privately funded alternative to the heavily congested M6 motorway. Construction started in the late 1990s, and the road was opened in 2003 at a cost of £900 million.

While it offers a smoother and faster route through the Midlands, it has faced criticism due to high toll fees, which have deterred many drivers, particularly hauliers.

Financial struggles led to a change in ownership in 2017, with IFM Investors now operating the road.

Despite ongoing debate over its effectiveness, the M6 Toll continues to serve as a premium, time-saving route for those willing to pay.

M6 Toll Charges

The M6 Toll cost will vary depending on your vehicle type, the journey length, and the time of day that you travel.

Below is a breakdown of the latest M6 toll charges:

M6 Toll: Breeze Account Discounts:

The M6 Breeze is a system that uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Technology to allow those with an account to pass through the M6 Toll without stopping at the barrier.

A Breeze account holder reduces the costs for frequent users as they are able to take advantage of exclusive prices and discounts.

The M6 Breeze costs are as follows:

M6 Toll Payment

Paying for the M6 Toll is straightforward, with several options available. Payment takes place at the main carriageway toll plaza between junctions T6 and T7.

For those leaving the M6 Toll road at T3, T4, T5, or T6, there are also payment stations after you leave the carriageway.

How to Pay M6 Toll:

• Credit & Debit Cards - All major cards, including American Express, are accepted.
• Contactless Payments - Apple Pay and Google Pay are both accepted.
• Breeze Account - Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) deducts the toll fee.

Please note that cash is not accepted on the M6 Toll.

M6 Toll Receipt

If you require a receipt for the M6 Toll, you can obtain one through one of the following means:

• Online via the M6 Toll website.
• Through a Breeze account statement.
• At toll booths when paying by card.

M6 Toll Services

There is one service station on the M6 Toll - the Norton Canes Services (located between T6 and T7).

As service stations go, it is a pretty good one, having won awards for its quality.

Within the M6 Toll Services, you can find the following:

• Petrol Station - Open 24/7.
• Food & Drink - McDonald's, Costa Coffee, Greggs, WHSmith, and more.
• Toilets & Showers – toilet facilities and showers for drivers.
• Hotel – there is a Days Inn located here for anyone needing to stop for an overnight stay.

Is the M6 Toll Worth It?

The question of whether the M6 Toll is worth the additional cost to your journey is a common on.

There are certainly plenty of reasons to use the road. It is probably worth the cost if you:

• want a congestion-free, faster route.
• drive at peak times and want to avoid delays.
• travel frequently, making a Breeze account cost-effective.

However, it’s understandable that paying this additional charge is not the right thing for everyone. You may not see the M6 Toll as worth the cost if:

• The M6 is free-flowing at the time of your journey.
• You prefer to avoid additional costs.
• Your journey is too short to justify the toll fee.

A good idea is to check Google Maps or Waze before you set off on your journey. By comparing the estimated journey times based on taking the M6 Toll or not.

If you find that the M6 Toll is going to save you a significant amount of time, it could be viewed as a good investment.