Industry News from Yes Insurance

Disgruntled motorists have voiced their anger at the increased cost for the M6 toll charge which will be introduced in January, with van drivers being forced to pay £8 to use the expressway through the Midlands.

The toll was introduced in an effort to remove congestion on the road, much like the congestion charge in London, but motorists are angry that the cost of travelling on the road, which some lorry and van drivers have little choice but to use, has gone up.

Tom Fanning, chief executive of toll road operator Midland Expressway, commented that it was the second increase since the motorway opened back in December 2003.

"The M6 toll is a stress-free, free-flowing alternative and we believe the new toll schedule remains excellent value for money," he told the Metro.

Others were not as convinced however. Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation, expressed concern that drivers might abandon the toll road altogether in an effort to avoid paying the charge.

"The congestion charge in London has gone up from £5 to £8 and now the M6 toll is going up by a massive amount. The motorist will wonder how we can trust the government on road pricing when these two schemes have gone up at such an exorbitant rate," he said.

Although van drivers will definitely feel the £1 increase, they can thank themselves lucky that they don't drive a smaller vehicle, as car drivers face a £2.50 increase from £1.50 to £4.

With the increased cost of road tax and toll charges, motorists are being advised to shop around to make sure they get the best quote for their van insurance.