The Good and the Bad News about the New M6Toll Charges for Lichfeldians

You might not know, but from April the 6th 2024, the M6Toll changed the way it charges for different length routes.

As a private hire taxi company doing a lot of airport transfers to Birmingham, Heathrow and Gatwick airports, this has a direct impact on us.

The main barrier on the south carriageway of the M6Toll

Previously the charge was dependent on the toll gate you passed through. We thought this was a bit unfair travelling south after getting on at T4 (Weeford Island) as you got charged the full amount of £8.90, as if you joined from the M6.

First the good news. Charges are now calculated by ANPR logging your exit and entry points. So instead of paying £8.90 for T4 to the M42, this is now reduced to £7.40. (Our Mercedes VClass is classed as an M1 car.)

Now the bad news, sorry. Before the change, travelling from the M42 to T4 cost only £5.80. The new charging system makes that journey now cost… You guessed it, £7.40!

Our basic maths calculates that a return journey T4/M42 used to cost £14.70. The new system of charging raises that to £14.80.

So, what initially looks like good news, is actually an increase in cost by 10 pence if you use the M6Toll from Lichfield both ways.

One final bit of good news is that you can now use your mobile phone & smart watch to pay. This is a completely legal use of your phone whilst driving due to a recent change in the legislation.

If you would like to use the M6Toll on a journey with Cathedral Travel, then please let us know when you book. Sometimes it can save a lot of time, other times it is just as quick going down the A446 past The Belfry on the edge of Sutton Coldfield.