M6+Toll

[matc]

Hi all,

I'm currently in Liverpool, and am here until Friday. Now I will have a couple of options on Friday, I can leave about midday but I'm unsure what the traffic is going to be like at this time of day or I can leave about 5/6 meaning I would probably miss the traffic around birmingham? Also is it worth using the Toll on the way down? I remember years ago coming down the M6 on a Sunday afternoon and the M6/M5 interchange was a nightmare, but I've also heard the M42 is a nightmare, what's my best option?

I guess another option would be to drive a completely different route, but I'm quite keen to get back to Dorset so fastest would suit me best.

Any suggestions??

[Wacky Racer]

Depends if it's peak time or not. Personally I think it's a complete waste of money, used it a couple of times and never really saved any time, but I object to the idea on principle anyhow.

Others may disagree, but I have never been gridlocked around Birmingham , so perhaps I have been lucky....

[matc]

Wacky Racer said:

Depends if it's peak time or not.

Will either be about 2 pm or about 7pm.

What's the traffic generally like on the run down the M6?

[Wacky Racer]

matc said:

What's the traffic generally like on the run down the M6?

Difficult to say, because it depends whether there has been roadworks/accidents or not, like any motorway..Should be fairly quiet at 7pm though, I would have thought.....The toll road is only around £4, so it's not going to break the bank, but my thoughts are these roads don't want encouraging or they will spring up all over, like in parts of France.

[mmm-five]

I'd leave later and try to miss the traffic. I use the toll because I get reimbursed for it, and it means my average speed for the 220 miles (in the opposite direction though) stays above 7000 centileptons.

I'd watch the traffic reports carefully as one minor crash can add an hour to the journey - hope you've got satnav to help you re-route around trouble.

Edited by mmm-five on Tuesday 8th April 09:35

[Taita]

I was in heavy traffic for an hour or so, got bored, managed to get 133mph (GPS) out of a Ford Ranger.

Saved me a tonne of time, still spent 17 hours in the cab that day though
Thank fk I didn't pay for the diesel.

[jmorgan]

Usually when I use the toll road the radio blurts out delays on the old M6. I use it every time heading to Coventry from the North.

However Dorset is down the M5 and I don't really have problems once off the M6 using that route and do not think the long way around the toll will save you time.

Edited by jmorgan on Tuesday 8th April 09:27

[DIW35]

I have no problem with the M6 toll and if, by using it, others spring up around the country a la France, what's the problem? It's an optional alternative. The only time I see it as a problem is when they start making road tolls compulsory.

For the sake of £4 I enjoy using a road that is relatively traffic free and that is still in good repair.

[matc]

I should now be able to leave about 12 on Friday, Im guessing this will probably be a pretty good time to travel?

[Jimmy2Kiss]

I use the toll every time i pass through Brum, its quick, smooth and free of traffic! The main prob i can see with leaving Liverpool at 5 is you are likely to get stuck at J15 (Stoke)! once you get passed there its generally ok!