Evaluating the effects of the M6 Toll Road on industrial land development and employment

Abstract

This paper reports the first evaluation of the wider economic effects of the M6 Toll, the UK's first toll motorway. Methodologically, it contributes to the literature evaluating the economic effects of new transport infrastructure by exploiting a new source of data, applying fresh econometric techniques, and triangulating quantitative results with interview data. We conclude that the M6 Toll has caused a positive development effect at the sub-regional level. In addition, we advance reasons why the development potential of new road infrastructure may be amplified rather than reduced by tolls.