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God what have I started!?!?!?
Anyway, back from the Frozen North (and it was freezing!). Thanks to all of you who recommended the Toll Road. It was almost joyous. Clear of traffic, smooth surface, lovely! The difference in congestion on the “old” M6 and the Toll Road was incredible. It was as if 90% of the traffic was spirited away to the Dark Satanic Mills. Best of all was the service area. We chose to take a break there. Everything for the more discerning customer.
Yes chaps it is a bit of a bind to have to pay to use something you had already paid for, but such is the sign of the times. A fiver well spent.