I blogged recently on the report of the House of Commons Transport Committee on ‘The major road network.’  I have since been reading the evidence submitted to the inquiry.  The Road Haulage Association (RHA), in evidence on page Ev121, complains about the ‘continuing scandal’ of the M6 tolled motorway.  This is a 27 mile section of motorway in the W. Midlands, built with private finance, which charges heavy goods vehicles up to £10 for use.  The RHA suggests that HGV operators are unwilling to pay the recently increased toll, so that traffic appears to be reducing.  Meanwhile, the Highways Agency is planning to invest in the parallel untolled congested M6 to increase peak capacity though Active Traffic Management.

The RHA argues that the underuse of the tolled route is a scandal.  Rather than spend large sums on increasing the capacity of the M6, means should be found to divert traffic to the tolled route.

But presumably this would reduce the attractiveness for existing users of the tolled road who are willing to pay for congestion-free travel.  It would be similar to allowing second class rail passengers who can’t find seats to sit in first class.  Or economy passengers on aircraft being bumped up to business class.  Tricky trade-offs between efficiency and equity, part of which is getting what you pay for, as well as what is accepted custom and practice.