Does the M6 Toll pay Google Navigation to direct to their road?

bugbyte_2

On a trip today between Sutton Coldfield and Cannock Google Navigation insisted I took the M6 Toll, totally ignoring the direct A452 route which was not even an option. The A452 was completely clear and was 7 miles shorter @ 16 miles compared to the M6 toll route at 23 miles. Times were the same.

Does the M6 Toll pay Google to promote its route above shorter, quicker routes?

wealdroam

Have you asked Google?

What did they say?

bugbyte_2

Yes, I phoned them up but they just sniggered down the phone.

kingfisherblue

Last year, on the way to Somerset from the North West, the satnav wouldn't take us down the toll road. I just followed the signs instead, as it was a busy time of day. For a couple of quid, it was driving bliss!

On the way back, I didn't see any signs for the toll road and followed the satnav instructions down the old route. We got stuck in traffic, barely moving for ages.

We're going to Somerset again in a few weeks, and I'd love to come back along the toll road, so if someone can give me the junction number to get onto it, I'd be very grateful

nearlyrich

From the North it starts at Junction 11a on the M6 however coming back from Somerset I guess you would be on the M5 and join the M6 at Junction 8..which is not that far from where the M6 toll joins back in, it actually would take you well out of your way and it's £5,50 per trip not a couple of quid. To the OP sat navs are generally programmed to take traffic on the best route to avoid congestion..mine brings me a strange way home if I let it, you are usually asked if you are OK with a route with tolls...

bugbyte_2

kingfisherblue wrote: »

Last year, on the way to Somerset from the North West, the satnav wouldn't take us down the toll road.

You added miles onto your journey. You didn't see it on the way back because it ends at a completely different motorway - the M42.

The M6/M5 route is fine especially as it is now 4 lanes as long as you avoid the 8-9 and 4:30 - 6 rush hours. Enjoy your time in Somerset, lovely part of the world.

ThumbRemote

kingfisherblue wrote: »

Last year, on the way to Somerset from the North West, the satnav wouldn't take us down the toll road. I just followed the signs instead, as it was a busy time of day. For a couple of quid, it was driving bliss!

On the way back, I didn't see any signs for the toll road and followed the satnav instructions down the old route. We got stuck in traffic, barely moving for ages.

We're going to Somerset again in a few weeks, and I'd love to come back along the toll road, so if someone can give me the junction number to get onto it, I'd be very grateful

The M6 Toll takes you miles out of your way if you're going to Somerset. It heads south-east, you need to be going south-west.

kingfisherblue

Thanks for the information - no wonder I didn't see signs for it on the way home. Just to clarify, I definitely only paid just over £2 last year when we went to Somerset. I had £5.50 ready, in change, but was not charged that amount. It was a manned booth. My son has a blue badge, which is on the dashboard, so this is the only thing I can think of - maybe there is a discount for disabled people?

Bugbyte, we're returning on a Sunday, so hopefully it won't be too busy through Birmingham. And you're right, Somerset is a lovely part of the world.

fluffnutter

bugbyte wrote: »

Yes, I phoned them up but they just sniggered down the phone.

I don't believe this.

Money-Saving-King

fluffnutter wrote: »

I don't believe this.

Nor do I. Google don't have a UK general customer service number. I assume the post was suppose to be funny?

Azari

Money-Saving-King wrote: »

Nor do I. Google don't have a UK general customer service number. I assume the post was suppose to be funny?

It made me laugh.