Your Questions Answered
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- FAQ
What if I don’t have any other means of payment with me at the time?+
We appreciate this happens. Please let one of our team know by pressing the call for assistance button located in the toll lane. A member of our team will take some brief details and issue you with a payment notice allowing you to pay online.
Please beware that if you don’t pay within the time allowed you may incur penalty charges of up to £80.
What are the benefits of paying by card at the toll booth?+
Paying by card is quicker, more convenient and saves time at the toll plaza, reducing your journey time, and ensuring the M6toll continues to provide effortless customer journeys.
Why have we removed cash from the M6toll?+
Over recent years the way people pay for goods and services in the UK has changed, moving from cash, towards card payments. At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic we took initial safety steps to remove cash temporarily at the M6toll, along with several other businesses and it is fully expected that, post recovery, the existing trend away from cash will be accelerated.
Therefore, after careful consideration, Midlands Expressway has taken the decision to remove cash permanently from its operation.
At what time do your day and night rates start and finish?+
During weekdays our day rate applies to all journeys made between 7am – 7pm. Off-peak rates also apply during weekdays between 5am-7am and 7pm-11pm.
At the weekend our day rate applies to all journeys made between 5am-11pm.
Our night rate is applicable to all journeys made between the hours of 11pm and 5am.
For further information on our prices please click here. If you are unsure about the price you can expect to pay on the M6toll please call our Customer Services team on 0330 660 0790 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm).
How do I pay?+
There are three payment options:
- M6toll TAG (electronic pre-payment method).
- Card (credit and debit cards or fuel cards).
- Contactless card accepted, simply tap & go.
If you need a receipt, there’s a button for this located in all non-TAG lanes. You will not be able to get a receipt for a TAG journey as an invoice will be available via your online account.
Is the M6toll ever closed?+
Our road is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year. It would only ever be closed due to a police incident.
Where can I enter and exit the M6toll?+
To find out where to get on or off, take a look at our maps.
Why do I have to pay to use the M6toll?+
Unlike other motorways in the UK, the M6toll is privately owned. It was built and privately funded by Midland Expressway Ltd (MEL). It will continue to be run by MEL until 2054.
The toll you pay on each journey goes towards maintaining the M6toll road. We fund everything ourselves.
Where does the M6toll start and finish?+
The M6toll connects the M6 at Junction 3a to Junction 11a of the M6, covering a total distance of 27 miles – or 43 kilometres.
How safe will I feel if I break down and have to wait a long time for recovery?+
Safety on our road is our top priority. There are CCTV cameras along the route as well as emergency telephones. Using an emergency telephone will put you in touch with Highways England, who will inform our control room of your location so we can stay in regular contact with you.
Our Incident Support Units are constantly patrolling the road and will be with you as soon as possible.
What do I do if I break down on the M6toll?+
If you have broken down or need our assistance a member of our highly trained staff will be with you as quickly as possible, with the aim of getting you on your way again.
If you have broken down there are emergency roadside telephones along the full length of the M6toll, which can be used to ask for assistance. Where possible our own highly trained Incident Support Units will be dispatched to you.
Are there speed cameras on the M6toll?+
Yes.
The M6toll is also patrolled by the Central Motorway Police Group, Warwickshire Police and Highways England traffic officers.
Is there a speed limit on the M6toll?+
Yes, the M6toll is regulated and policed just like any other motorway in England. The speed limit is 70mph, reducing on the approach to toll plazas.
Who is responsible for maintaining the M6toll?+
Midland Expressway Ltd are the operators of the M6toll and have an entire team of people who are passionate about maintaining all aspects of the road to the highest standard. We also have a 24/7 control room team, regularly checking for incidents, debris and anything else that could impact your journey.
I saw a sign displaying a charge for my vehicle but when I got to the M6toll plaza, it was more expensive. Why is that?+
Prices displayed are not only for various classifications of vehicles but also for different times of the day. The correct price for your vehicle and the time of day you are travelling will be displayed again at the point of payment.
Please see our pricing chart for a full list of prices before you travel.
Why did my satnav take me on the M6toll to a destination when I could have used local roads?+
If you’re using a satnav and haven’t opted to avoid toll roads, it is likely to send you on our road because it is the quickest route to your destination.
I joined the M6toll by mistake as the signs were misleading. What do I do?+
We’re keen to make sure that the only people using the M6toll are doing so through their own choice, which is why all signage on the approach roads is designed, and fully approved by Highways England, to meet the requirements of the Department for Transport’s signage policy. Should you have a complaint with regards to the signage for the M6toll please contact Highways England directly.
I joined the M6toll by mistake. What do I do?+
You will need to proceed until you reach a toll plaza, where you will still have to pay the toll charge, but you can also ask a member of staff for directions to help you as you exit the motorway.
Do I have to pay to park at the service station?+
Parking at the service station is free for the first two hours. After that, a charge of £12 for cars and £28 for HGV’s will apply for a stay of up to 24 hours.
Parking is free if you are staying at the Days Inn hotel.
What retailers are at the service station?+
There’s a lot of choice, please view the full list of retailers here.
Can I stay overnight?+
Yes, there is a Days Inn at the service station with free parking and free Wi-Fi. Find out more here.
Is there a service station on the road?+
Yes, it’s called Norton Canes, Roadchef operates it and it’s award winning. It is located between T6 and T7, northbound and southbound. For more information, click here.
What if I choose a non-TAG lane by accident?+
There is no need to panic, simply proceed forward towards the exit barrier, stop and press the “call for assistance” button. One of our team will be able to assist.
Which lane do I use if I have a TAG on my vehicle?+
There are TAG lanes at every plaza – look out for the TAG symbol overhead.
What do I do if my TAG is stolen or lost?+
If your TAG is stolen, please call our customer services team on 0330 660 0790 as soon as possible.
Do I need to fix the TAG to my vehicle?+
Yes, otherwise it is likely that it may not work, which means that the barrier will not rise automatically and you may be delayed.
What do I do if I need a new TAG bracket?+
You can order a new bracket via your online account.
Where do I put my TAG?+
Follow our guide which will be included when you receive your TAG. Or, you can watch our handy video guide here.
What are the benefits of using a TAG?+
As well as making your journey as hassle free as possible, you will also benefit from:
- discount on every journey (well worth it for regular users)
- TAG lanes at every plaza
- not having to stop to pay (as long as your account is in credit)
- monthly invoices (never worry about a lost receipt again)
Where can I get a quick start TAG?+
You can purchase a quick start TAG from our Norton Canes service station, or by calling our customer services team on 0330 660 0790.
What is a quick start TAG?+
A Quick Start TAG is a TAG that is pre-loaded with credit. You can buy this TAG, fix it to your vehicle and use the credit straight away.
How do I apply for a TAG?+
We have made it as simple as possible to apply for a TAG, you can fill out our online application form or call our customer service team on 0330 660 0790.
(£1 per month TAG lease fee applies)
Are there any offers or promotions?+
Discounts are applicable to TAG account holders.
Our M6toll savers have been designed to save you time and money. Call our customer service team to find out more on 0330 660 0790 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm).
If you are one of our TAG customers, visit My TAG Login to sign into your account and opt into our promotional communications and be the first to hear about our offers and promotions.
How do I complain?+
We hope you never need to complain. However, if you do, you can call our customer services team on 0330 660 0790 (lines are open 08:30 – 17:00 Monday – Friday) or send them an email to customer.services@m6toll.co.uk.
Why can’t I show my blue badge at the toll booths and get free passage on the M6toll?+
We are bound by legislation that requires us to grant free passage via the M6toll scheme, for those that meet the eligibility criteria. Free passage requires you to apply for an M6toll Mobility Exemption Pass. Unfortunately, a blue badge doesn’t prove eligibility for the mobility scheme.
Are there exemptions for disabled people?+
We have our own M6toll Mobility Exemption Pass. Check your eligibility and apply here. Please note, the eligibility criteria is different to the blue badge scheme.
How can I pay my payment notice?+
To pay your notice online, click here.
You can also pay via mobile text link, or call our customer services team on 0330 660 0790.
I have been issued a payment notice, how long do I have to pay the notice?+
You will need to pay this notice within two working days of the date it was issued. Additional fees apply if we don’t receive payment within two working days.
Why don’t you accept Android and Apple pay?+
At present we are unable to accept Android and Apple pay. This is a service we hope to be able to offer our customers in the future.
Are the toll prices the same, day and night?+
No, prices can vary according to the day, time and toll plaza used.
Please see our pricing chart
What do I do if I think my vehicle has been incorrectly classified i.e. Class 4 instead of a Class 2?+
If you think your vehicle has been wrongly classified (causing you to be undercharged or overcharged) and you are in the toll lane, press the ‘call for assistance’ button located in every lane before making payment; there is a small screen which displays the price you are about to be charged.
If you have already paid and left the toll booth area, when it’s safe to do so please call our customer services team on 0330 660 0790, and we’ll look into this for you.
Can the classification of my vehicle vary?+
The classification may vary according to your load and any vehicle modifications that have been made.
Why is your classification system different to the one used by the DVLA? +
Classifications are determined by our measurement system which is separate to DVLA classifications.
What if I don’t agree with your classification of my vehicle?+
As you can imagine there are a huge variety of vehicles on our road at any one time. If you have looked at our classification chart and are still unsure why your vehicle has been classified as a certain class of vehicle then please call our customer services team on 0330 660 0790.
How do you work out what class my vehicle will fall into?+
Sensors which are located in each lane measure the height at the front of the vehicle and count the amount of axles and wheels (including trailers).
The height measurement is taken from where the front tyre is in contact with the ground, this is in line with the centre of the wheel and sends a beam from one side of the vehicle to the other, if the beam is obstructed by any part of the vehicle then the vehicle will be registered as a class 4 or above.
How do I know what class my vehicle is?+
Please click here to see which class your vehicle falls into.
What if I only want to use it for one junction?+
The toll charge is calculated dependent on the classification of your vehicle, the time and day you travel and whether you exit the road at a mainline plaza or junction plaza.
What happens if I choose a lane that doesn’t accept my chosen payment method?+
We can always help you. So continue towards the exit barrier, stop and press the call for assistance button located on the booth.
You will be put through to an operator, who will provide assistance regarding the options open to you.
This may include providing some personal and vehicle registration details and you will then be issued with a payment notice. Please continue on with your journey and ensure you make a payment online within 48 hours to prevent further charges.
What do I do at the toll plaza?+
As you approach the toll plaza, depending on how you want to pay, the symbols above the lanes will indicate which lane you should choose. There are different symbols for TAG account holders or credit/debit/fuel card.
For more information on how to become a TAG account holder please click here
Once you’re in the lane, you can then pay at the booth using your chosen method of payment. The light will turn green, the barrier will lift and you can carry on with your journey.
How much do I have to pay to use the M6toll?+
Our prices depend on the classification of your vehicle, the time and day you travel and whether you exit the road at a mainline plaza or junction plaza.
Please click here for our pricing chart
What if I want to close my TAG account?+
If you decide it is not for you, send the TAG with a covering letter stating your name, address and phone number to: FREEPOST M6TOLL (must be in CAPS).
If you’d like to speak to someone about this please call us on 0330 660 0790.
TAG is our electronic pre-paid device.
It gives you 5% off every trip, and means you'll sail through our TAG lanes.