The investment focuses on modernising the tolling infrastructure, reducing congestion and improving journey times across the 27-mile (43km) route. The Breeze upgrade features a new website and app, providing account management and toll payment options. The improvements include the introduction of the new ANPR system, which has been designed to significantly cut down the time vehicles spend at toll plazas. The system will also enable more sophisticated pricing to be introduced in the year, benefiting drivers who don’t travel the whole length of the route.

Michael Whelan, CEO of M6toll, said: “This investment is a game-changer for our users, offering unparalleled convenience and efficiency. “As a commercial organisation, we receive no subsidy from the government, so all investment comes direct from the private sector, whilst toll income is used to maintain and operate the road to a world-class level.” Since opening in 2003, more than 300m customers have used the toll road. It reportedly attracts up to 65,000 vehicles from the M6 and regional road network on weekdays.