News Release

6th May 2003

M6 TOLL SHOULD HAVE DISCOUNTS FOR LOCAL USERS

Responding to the news that the M6 Toll Road will be charging £3 (three pounds) for cars after the first few months of operation, Michael Fabricant says: "I am disappointed that no discount is being made available for locals wishing to use the M6 Toll Road.

"When I last met with Tom Fanning, the Managing Director of Midland Expressway Limited (MEL) who will operate the new motorway, I discussed with him and with other directors the disruption and misery being caused to the daily lives of locals who have been subject to noise, dust, road closures and other problems during the construction of the motorway. MEL officials agreed that they should compensate local people for all they have had to put up with. We discussed the possibility of toll discounts for local users and I was told that the new automated toll booths will be technically capable of doing this. I was further told that MEL are keen that locals should use the new toll road and that financial incentives were a strong possibility.

"I am very disappointed to hear that this has not been followed up. I believe that the goodwill of locals will be sorely tried as a consequence. I am now asking MEL to think again about their pricing policy for local users who live close to the M6 toll road. I hope that MEL will reconsider their decision not to offer discounts or other incentives to local users. It would be unfortunate if the opening of the motorway were marred by the operators being accused of greed by those who live in close proximity of the motorway.

"Despite this disappointment, I do welcome the opening of the M6 Toll. It will stimulate the economy of the West Midlands as well as being of strategic economic importance to the North West. I believe it will also lead to better retail facilities and job opportunities being made available in Lichfield and Burntwood".