M6 vs M6 Toll

[New Judge]

Got to go to the Frozen North (Chester) tomorrow from the London area. I try not to head that way if I can help it because it's all too grim, but cannot avoid it this time.

Does anyone know the relative merits of using the M6 Toll as opposed to the "Free" M6. I've not been up there since the Toll road was opened. I'm not worried about the Fiver or so that it costs but I don't want to shell out if I'm unlikely to gain anything.

Thanks for your help.

[jackthehat]

Always less traffic on the toll-road, smoother journey than rattling over the 'stilts' around Birmingham......never been held up for road-works, etc.

I would recommend it.

[ubasses]

it really depends on the traffice of the day, I always use the toll, only the odd lorry, good clear road, not worth taking a chance on the other part of M6 in my view. Stick your debit/credit card in machine and you are off in seconds.

[andy-hughes]

I like the Toll, it's like all motorways used to be when I first passed my test - mind you that was nearly forty years ago!

It is a less congested and smoother ride, so if you are happy to pay - enjoy it.

[woolleysheep]

have your passport ready and pay the fiver,we could do with the money up here to pay the fuel bills

[EvianBaby]

I often travel to Cannock and always take the toll road. There is barely ever anything on it and it cuts about 30 minutes in total of my travel time.

[DTCwordfan]

depends on time of day = if its rush hour, take it and pay up - you can easily lose the fiver on the old M6 hanging around in the queues.......

[cazzz1975]

I would use the toll road as opposed to the m6, the traffic in the mornings through the midlands is truly horrendous

[New Judge]

Thanks everybody.

Toll Road it is then !!!

[bednobs]

we always use the toll and it's a very nice, hassle free journey. However, you will never know for sure whether the ordinary M6 would have been hassle free too!

[woolleysheep]

see you in Chester then

[Old_Geezer]

I have no experience of it but I'd avoid toll roads on principle. Wouldn't want the guilt of encouraging them. A good road system is the responsibility of the government, and they have been paid via the road tax system for the roads umpteen times over. They have no moral right to then be allowing sections with a toll on them, so the driver is used yet again.

[New Judge]

I tend to agree, OG. Unfortunately tomorrow I have to make, what for me is a fairly lengthy journey, as effortlessly as I can. My principles, alas, have to take second place (which is probably what the government banks on).

Of course the motorist is hammered on just about every front and the thought of Toll Roads (without any reduction in motoring taxes)is is just an insult. Anyway, I don't want my straightforward question to start a vitriolic debate!

[hc4361]

I live in the Midlands and have to travel ooop norf regularly.
Never used the toll road and rarely had a problem.
Don't be a wuss, and don't be so rude. Chester is one of the country's gems.

[New Judge]

Don't take on so, hc!

I'm sure Chester (and many other parts of the Frozen North) are very nice. I didn't intend any rudeness. It's just that, like many poncey Southerners, I find the idea of travelling North extremely depressing. It's just in our DNA. I avoid it at all costs and, with the exception of Oxford which I visit regularly, rarely venture north of Watford unless it's absolutely unavoidable. When I do have to go I scuttle back to the south as soon as possible.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

I agree with you OG.....these toll road scabs will get what they wish for

[boxtops]

OH uses the toll road in his truck, for smoother journey alone.

[Tizzi24]

I'm a softy southerner living in Manchester and use the M6 a few times during the year. I never, ever, use the toll road on principle. I figure I pay enough for petrol/road tax and don't see why I should pay a toll for the privilege of using a motorway. I had a little laugh to myself one time - the M6 was totally clear and the toll road was jam packed solid - serves 'em right!

[bednobs]

out of interest - how did you know?

[BAKERS DOZEN]

Will be off down the M6 on Saturday on our way to France, same as we have done for the past twenty years and have never used the toll road on principle. Having said that I am more than happy to pay the tolls on French roads as they are great. Honestly can say I have never seen road works or been held up on a motorway in twenty years. Only maintenance signs you see are where they are buiding new motorways, and sometimes a lane closure while they trim the hedges at the roadside. They must really build their roads to a much higher standard than ours. They have picnic areas very frequently and the services are always nice and clean. Unlike ours which are a disgrace. They are though, as you would expect, overpriced just like like ours.