Your Questions Answered
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About the M6toll
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.
General
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.
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 is it 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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 to make a complaint?
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 customercomplaints@m6toll.co.uk.
M6toll TAG
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 use your online account to report this.
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.
Follow our guide which will be included when you receive your TAG. Or, you can watch our handy video guide here.
What do I do if I need a new TAG bracket?+
You can order a new bracket via your online account.
What are the benefits of using a TAG?+
As well as making your journey as hassle free as possible, you will also benefit from:
- a dedicated lane 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)
What if I want to close my TAG account?+
If you decide it is not for you, please login to your online account.
Mobility Exemption
What happens if I’m not in the registered vehicle that was on my application?+
The Exemption is ONLY for the registered vehicle on the application, if you are not in that vehicle you will need to pay the toll fee via card in the card machine within the toll lane.
How do I change my vehicle details to retain my Mobility Exemption?+
Should your Mobility Exemption vehicle be sold or stolen, please contact our Customer Services Team on 0330 660 0790, or alternatively email us on mobilitypass@m6toll.co.uk
Does my blue badge allow me free passage on the M6toll?+
Unfortunately, not, the blue badge scheme does not differentiate between those who are entitled to exemption and those who are not.
If I must pay at the time of travel, could I recover the cost afterwards?+
Because the Exemption requires you to be in the nominated vehicle as per your application, the toll fee is non refundable.
The M6toll has CCTV operating in all toll lanes, and we will carry out verification of the information supplied in your application in this way. If there is a breach of these terms and conditions, or a misuse of your Mobility Exemption, we reserve the right to withdraw it, without notice.
Will the price of my Mobility Exemption change if the toll charges change?+
No, the price will stay the same even if the toll prices change. We do, however, review the cost of administering the Mobility Exemption regularly and when the price does change, we will update the information on our website.
Can someone else use my Mobility Exemption when travelling to pick me up from another location?+
A Mobility Exemption only allows free passage on the M6toll for the vehicle registration listed in the application, and the applicant must be present in the vehicle when travelling.
How long does it take for my Mobility Exemption take to arrive?+
Please allow up to 28 working days to process your application. Once set up, you will receive an email confirming the application has been processed and an explanation of what to do as you approach the toll plaza.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?+
An application for a Mobility Exemption can be made on behalf of an applicant, if the applicant is under 13 years of age, is subject to a Power of Attorney or is unable to do so themselves. If the applicant is under 13 years old age, a parent or guardian is required to sign the application form.
I am unable to apply online are there any other alternative ways to apply for a Mobility Exemption?+
Please call our customer service team on 0330 660 0790 or email us mobilitypass@m6toll.co.uk, and one of our team will be pleased to assist.
Is there a cost to applying for a Mobility Exemption?+
There is a £7.00 administration charge, payable upon each application and renewal.
How long does the Mobility Exemption last for?+
A Mobility Exemption is valid for one year for the vehicle and person listed on the application form, and an annual application is required, prior to the expiry date.
What is the criteria for applying for a Mobility Exemption?+
To qualify for a Mobility Exemption on the M6toll, Midland Expressway Limited is governed by The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994, the holder must be in receipt of one of the following and provide evidence when making an application:
- A V5 Vehicle Registration Document showing the vehicle registration number and the road tax classification ‘Disabled’
- A confirmation letter to claim vehicle road tax classification status of ‘Disabled’ and vehicle registration number under a Motability Vehicle Lease Agreement
- War pensioner mobility supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment.
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) by virtue of entitlement to the Mobility Component at the Higher Rate.
- Is in receipt of disability assistance for children and young people by virtue of entitlement to the Mobility Component at the Higher Rate.
- Personal Independent payment (PIP) by virtue of entitlement to the Mobility Component at the Enhanced Rate.
Does my blue badge allow me free passage on the M6toll?+
Unfortunately not, the blue badge scheme does not differentiate between those who are entitled to exemption and those who are not.
How do I apply for a Mobility Exemption?+
Visit our website and complete an online application with supporting evidence of eligibility.
https://www.m6toll.co.uk/pricing/#exemptions
Motorway services area
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.
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.
There’s a lot of choice, please view the full list of retailers here.
Payment
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. We will take some brief details and issue you with a payment notice that you can pay online.
Please be aware that if you don’t pay within the time allowed you may incur penalty charges of up to £70.
How do I pay?+
There are two payment options:
- M6toll Account
- Card (fuel cards or contactless credit/debit cards).
Please note, we’re unable to accept contactless phone payments.
If you need a receipt, there’s a button for this in all non-TAG lanes. If you have a TAG, your invoice will be available via your online account.
CUSTOMER INFORMATION ALERT+
If you don’t receive an acknowledgement that you have paid your Payment Notice, please DO NOT attempt to pay a second time.
Please call our Customer Support Team on 03306600790 for assistance.
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.
Why don’t you accept Android and Apple pay?+
Until recently it was illegal to use your mobile phone as the toll booths are located on a live motorway. Now this has been resolved, we are upgrading our payment systems to enable us to accept payments from any mobile device. This forms part of a wider £20m investment in M6toll, which is being delivered over the coming months.
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 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, call our customer services team on 0330 660 0790 for help.
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.
How do you work out what class my vehicle will fall into?+
Sensors are located in each lane, which measure the height at the front of the vehicle and count the number of axles and wheels (including trailers).
The height measurement is taken by passing a beam of light from one side of the vehicle to the other. If the beam is obstructed by any part of the vehicle, then it 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, 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. Continue towards the barrier and press the ‘call for assistance’ button located on the booth. We will issue you with a Payment Notice. You’ll need to pay within 6 days to avoid any administration charges. Full details are at:
https://product.m6toll.co.uk/payment_notice.html
After 6 days, we will pass the outstanding toll fee plus £70 charges onto a third-party debt recovery agency, which could lead to further charges and even court action.
How much do I have to pay to use the M6toll?+
Our prices depend on the classification of your vehicle and whether you exit the road at a mainline plaza or junction plaza.
Please click here for our pricing chart
Payment Notice
What is a payment notice?+
A Payment Notice is issued when you are unable to pay the toll charge on the date and time of your journey on the M6toll.
Prices are displayed near entrances to the road, at toll booths and online at m6toll.co.uk.
How to pay a payment notice?+
To avoid any extra charges, you must pay within 6 days. The easiest way to do this is online.
After 6 days, an additional charge of £70 will be added to the outstanding payment, which will then be passed to a third-party debt recovery business who may add further charges and/or seek court action.
court action.
Further information on M6toll Toll Enforcement Policy can be found at www.m6toll.co.uk
Please note, The General Data Protection Regulations require us to inform you that a digital image of your vehicle was captured at the time of passage and may be used to obtain licence information from the DVLA for the third-party debt recovery agency to instigate legal proceedings on behalf of M6toll for recovery of any monies due.
What happens if I don’t pay?+
Payment should be made within 6 days of your journey on the M6toll to avoid any further administration charges, You can pay online or call Customer Services on 0330 660 0790.
After 6 days, an additional charge of £70 will be added to the outstanding payment, which will then be passed to a third-party debt recovery business who may add further charges and/or seek court action.
What do I do if I realise I haven’t made a payment for my journey?+
If you realise that you have not paid the required toll charge and would like to pay without incurring additional charges, please contact our Customer Services Team within 6 days of your journey between the hours of 08.30-17.00 Monday to Friday on 0330 660 0790.
What is a violation?+
A violation occurs when your vehicle exits the toll lane whilst the traffic light is red, meaning no payment has been taken.
I have been issued a Payment Notice, how long do I have to pay the notice?+
Payment should be made as soon as possible after your journey and within 6 days after the day of issue to avoid any further administration charges, by visiting https://product.m6toll.co.uk/payment_notice.html
After 6 days, an additional charge of £70 will be added to the outstanding payment, which will then be passed to a third-party debt recovery business who may add further charges and/or seek court action.
Safety & Maintenance
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.
What is the speed limit and are there speed cameras?+
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.