In this guide
When using some parts of the M6, you will be required to pay a fee. Here we explain everything you need to know so that you have the right money with you, know how to pay, how to dispute a payment you don’t agree with, who’s exempt and more.
Unlike many other UK motorways, if you drive on the M6 toll road, you’ll be required to pay a fee because it’s privately owned. And this fee has recently changed, as of April 2024.
From Birmingham to Liverpool and even up to the Scottish border, the M6 covers a lot of ground. So there’s a chance you might use it in the future and, while most of it is free, there’s an optional section around Birmingham that charges the fee.
Here, we cover all sorts of things you need to know, including:
- How much are the M6 tolls?
- Can I pay for the M6 toll online?
- The toll-point locations
- What places does the M6 run though?
- Why do I have to pay to use the M6?
- What happens if you don’t pay?
- Disputing a charge
Read more: Can I save money with an electric car?
How much are the tolls on the M6?
From April 6, the prices for the M6 toll changed. The price you pay is determined by where you join and leave the road, and what you’re driving.
The least you can expect to pay is £3.70 for a motorbike rider travelling a short distance, while an HGV travelling the whole distance is £15.90, although exceptionally large vehicles can be charged more.
A standard car, with no trailer attached, will pay between £7.40 and £8.90 depending on how far they drive.
You can work out how much you will be required to pay by using the online M6 toll calculator.
How do I pay the M6 toll online?
To pay the M6 toll payment online, you can open an account here before entering your details and paying. If you don’t want to pay online, you can pay at the payment point in the toll lane. It accepts debit and credit cards, Apple and Google Pay, smart device-based payments, and fuel cards. If you’re paying with a contactless card, you can simply tap and go.
The toll road uses automatic number plate recognition to work out where you exit, then will charge your account for the distance you’ve travelled. It can take up to 48 hours for the payment to appear on your account.
Where are the toll points on the M6?
You will pass through a toll point when you leave the road at junctions T4, T5, and T6, as well as T3 (northbound only). There’s also a toll point between junctions T4 and T3 (southbound), as well as between junctions T6 and T7 (northbound).
If you’re heading south and using junction T3, you’ll pass through the toll point as you join the motorway.
Where does the M6 run through?
Spanning over 230 miles, the M6 covers the midlands through to the north of the UK and upwards towards the Scottish border.
Specifically, it begins at the Catthorpe Interchange, which is near Rugby. It then runs through Birmingham, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, and between Liverpool and Manchester. Next, it runs past Preston, Morecambe, and into Carlisle before ending at Gretna, in Scotland.
You can use the entire M6 without paying a toll, if you follow it round the west side of Walsall.
The M6 toll road connects from the M6 at junction 3a and runs until junction 11a, covering a total distance of 27 miles through the midlands east of Sutton Coldfield.
Read more: Petrol and diesel prices: How to save money on fuel
Why do I have to pay M6 toll charges?
You have to pay toll charges to use that section of the M6 because it’s privately owned and funded, without a government subsidy.
The decision to implement a toll for sections of the motorway was taken to try and ease congestion on the M6. Midland Expressway Ltd was given the concession to build a new, private motorway and work began in 1991. The road opened in December 2003 and Midland Expressway will continue to be in charge until 2054.
The money you spend on using the M6 toll road goes towards maintenance, 24/7 customer support and on-the-road patrols. About 150 people work for the company.
Who’s exempt from charges?
Emergency services are automatically exempt from paying the toll if they are in liveried vehicles. Police, ambulance and fire staff using the road in unmarked vehicles need to contact M6 toll staff on 0330 660 0790 before they travel.
Regular members of the armed forces are also exempt while on duty – that covers vehicles owned by the Crown and in military service or being driven by by people in service to the Crown.
People with disabilities or those transporting people with disabilities may also qualify for an exemption under the Mobility Exemption Pass scheme. But blue badges aren’t enough on their own, you’ll need to apply here to get the exemption.
What happens if I don’t pay?
If you aren’t able to pay at the time of travel, then you can press the assistance button at the toll, and you will be issued a payment notice.
If you don’t settle the payment within six days, you’ll be hit with additional charges of at least £70.
How do I get a payment notice for the M6 toll road?
Simply press the Call for Assistance button at the toll, and you will be issued a payment notice.
How do I dispute a charge on the M6 toll road?
You have the right to dispute a charge on a M6 toll. To do this, call 0330 660 0790 or email customer.services@m6toll.co.uk.
Important information
Some of the products promoted are from our affiliate partners from whom we receive compensation. While we aim to feature some of the best products available, we cannot review every product on the market.
