News Release

22nd May 2003

NO TOLL ROAD DISCOUNTS FOR LOCAL USERS. YET.

In a letter to Michael Fabricant MP, Tom Fanning (Managing Director of the M6Toll) says there will be no discount for local users. He confirmed that at their last meeting "we discussed amongst many other matters: marathons before the M6toll opens, perception of the road, regeneration in the area and, of course, discounts to local users of the road."

Tom Fanning went onto say that the prospect for local discounts was subsequently considered. He added: "We have discounted the idea of providing discounts for local users for the very reason that it is too difficult with the present technology to introduce. One of our problems relates to what actually is local across and along a road that extends for over 27 miles. It simply is not feasible...... Our technology continues to advance and we are looking at various alternatives for the future as you would expect. We must, however, rule out any prospects of a local discount scheme at present".

Responding to this, Michael Fabricant says: "This is a disappointing reply though I note that discounts for local users of the toll road have not been ruled out altogether. When we met, Tom Fanning accepted that people living near the toll motorway route have had to put up with considerable noise, dust, and disruption to their lives during the road's construction. Still, rumours that the car toll would be £5 have proved groundless and the initial toll of £2 - which will subsequently rise to £3 after the first 10 million vehicles - is not excessive.

"I still believe that there are technological solutions to the discount issue. I know that similar discount schemes have been achieved on motorways abroad and where there is a will, there is a way.

"I now challenge Tom Fanning and his company, Midland Expressway Limited, to find a solution over the next year or so to enable local users to remain on the £2 toll level when the general toll for cars rises to £3. This will be a real test of whether MEL have the commitment to the local community they often talk about."