Should I pay for M6 Toll. Is it worth it? Does it chop an hour off the journey?

westy22

The current issue is the long-term viaduct repairs just South of the M6/M5 junction. The road is down to 2 slow lanes - if the traffic is flowing well then there is a mild delay (30 mins);if however there is a broken down vehicle or accident reducing it to one lane then expect 1 to 1.5 hours delay.

I always use the M6/M5 unless I hear on the radio that there are issues at the junction in which case I quickly switch to the Toll route and pick up the M42 to the M5.

Saving an hour's delay is worth the £6.40.

EssexExile

Just let Google maps guide you. I wouldn't consider the toll road for that journey, it will be lovely & clear but then dump you on the M42 which won't be lovely & clear!

At the moment Google reckons 4h 51m via M6/M5 & 4h 58m via the toll road.

hollie.weimeraner

Oh and don't forget the delays passing the junction with the M4 and Bristol. I've never been down that way and not hit traffic hold ups.

I think your 4 1/2 hours is wildly optimistic

Supersonos

As you approach the M6 Toll, the overhead signs cleverly display "M6 Toll Clear" which subconciously makes you assume the M6 is not clear.

Plus, you have to turn off to stay on the M6. If you carry on straight, to find yourself on the M6 Toll.

In my experience, the M6 is sticky but usually fine. Unless there are significant delays (20mins+), the M6 Toll is a waste of money.

bsms1147

Aylesbury_Duck wrote: »

I tend to ignore the matrix signs as they seem permanently set to encourage people to use the toll road.

Supersonos wrote: »

As you approach the M6 Toll, the overhead signs cleverly display "M6 Toll Clear" which subconciously makes you assume the M6 is not clear.

The road and signs are both owned by a private company, so the signs are more like adverts.

wongataa

Aubrey_Thicket wrote: »

Thanks guys.

Some excellent advice here from people who obviously know more than my mate in the pub.
So, to clarify... it’s just M6 on to M5 with no need for M6 toll?

Cheers guys.

A quick look at a map would show you that the M6 Toll would take you in the wrong direction if you are travelling from Manchester to Devon.


Surely a map would be consulted during the journey planning process?

tim9966

You would avoid the roadworks about J2 of the M5 with the 30mph speed limit if they are still there.


It would be worth it if there is a accident on the M6 anywhere between the toll, and M5 turn off like there was last Thursday when there were 1 1/2 hour queues on the old M6, but if there is no accident it will be shorter, quicker and cheaper to go M6 to J8, and onto the M5.

facade

tim9966 wrote: »

You would avoid the roadworks about J2 of the M5 with the 30mph speed limit if they are still there.

The legendary Oldbury Viaduct roadworks. Half an hour delay usually, plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. Been going on since April 2017, and is due (again) to finish, maybe, possibly in Autumn 2019 if there isn't another delay.....


(Very few people actually believe this )

a.turner

tim9966 wrote: »

You would avoid the roadworks about J2 of the M5 with the 30mph speed limit if they are still there.


It would be worth it if there is a accident on the M6 anywhere between the toll, and M5 turn off like there was last Thursday when there were 1 1/2 hour queues on the old M6, but if there is no accident it will be shorter, quicker and cheaper to go M6 to J8, and onto the M5.

Is it down to 30 now? It was 50 last time I went through.

agrinnall

Even if the Oldbury Viaduct roadworks are jammed solid I'm not sure it would make sense to use the M6 toll rather than just stay on the M6 to get onto the M42, unless the queues are stretching back onto the M6 itself.