A new campaign has been launched today aimed at getting businesses in the Midlands moving by reducing charges on the M6toll.
The privately owned motorway has joined up with several partners to kick off ‘Let's Get The Midlands Moving' which is aiming to support businesses as they emerge from the pandemic.
The company said it was halving the cost of many local journeys for all vehicle types exiting at plaza junctions during the remainder of July and in August.
It is also halving the cost for new HGV customers using the road north of Birmingham end-to-end for a three-month period.
M6toll said it hoped the move would restore business confidence as the region grappled with the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown.
Trade and business organisations including the Freight Transport Association, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and Greater Birmingham and Black Country chambers of commerce have all pledged support for the campaign.
Various local authorities including Staffordshire County Council are also backing the initiative.
M6toll's chief executive Andy Cliffe said: “Midlands' businesses and their workers are the lifeforce of the region, never standing still as they drive our economy forward.
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“And neither have we, with the M6toll built to keep the Midlands moving by saving drivers and businesses time spent in congestion as well as removing traffic that would also be causing further build ups on local roads.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, the M6toll is wholly committed to playing a very active part in getting Midlands' businesses and workers moving again.
“The 50 per cent discount is a pivotal element of the Let's Get the Midlands Moving campaign.
“It will enable businesses and workers to quickly and reliably cut through the increasing congestion returning to the Midlands' roads and in doing so help drive the region's recovery."
Staffordshire County Council leader Coun Philip Atkins added: “We welcome the launch of the new Let's Get The Midlands Moving campaign and its aim to support the region's economic recovery.
“The M6toll is an integral part of the region's transport network, offering a reliable and efficient route to companies and other road users in Staffordshire and across the region.
“As we move out of lockdown, the measures announced today will help to accelerate the economic recovery and support local businesses, including SMEs.”