Second toll road to be announced

Plans for Britain's second toll motorway are expected to be announced by the government today (Tuesday).

The 80km highway, linking Birmingham to Manchester, will run parallel to the M6 motorway with two northbound lanes and two going south and will join with the existing M6 Toll which by-passes north Birmingham.

It is expected that the multi-million pound contract will be procured under the Highways Agency’s design, build, finance and operate agreement.

The new motorway would be twice as long as the current M6 Toll and could cost more to use - although charges have yet to be decided.

Following the scheme’s announcement by transport secretary Alistair Darling this afternoon, the government will then undertake a three-month consultation into the proposals.