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156 
RHA threatens to lobby after toll firm's boasts
Page 7
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N The Road Haulage Association has threatened to call for government intervention over the controversial 111-per-truck M6 toll road if lobbying fails to win a reduction in the fee.
The news comes after Dennis Eager, development director at Macquarie Infrastructure Group (MI6), the main company behind the new motorway, resigned after he caused outrage by bragging that it can charge customers what it likes because there are no government restrictions on prices.
He told an Australian newspaper that the absence of price restrictions on the toll is almost unparalleled throughout the world: "If motorists don't complain about it being too high, then we won't have done our job."
Speaking at the RHA's Spring Convention, chief executive Roger King says: "Our members have been outraged by Eager's comments and are unanimous in wanting us to take this issue up.
"While, under the contract, the government does riot have a direct role to play, it does need to talk to Midland Expressway about the level of tolls."
Simon Chamberlain, managing director of Crewebased Chamberlain Transport, agrees that the government needs to intervene if ME raises tolls to "obscene levels".
"We operate 25 to 30 vehicles and at least DO% of them are running south on the M6," he says.
Neil Simmons, managing director of Telford-based GJ Simmonds & Sons, whose 35vehicle fleet also regularly uses the existing M6, says Eager's comments add to the overall sense of uncertainty facing hauliers: 'They are saying 111 now but they might turn round and say £20 if they can charge what they like."
However, Stephen Allen, chief executive of MIG, says Eager's comments have never reflected the view of its management.
As a tollway concession owner, ME understands that its fundamental asset is community support and acceptance of its right to operate a tolhvay. Most importantly, this means providing a service that offers value for money."