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M6 Toll Map, Junctions & Zone Guide

The M6 Toll runs for 27 miles through Warwickshire and Staffordshire, bypassing Birmingham to the east with eight junctions numbered T1 to T8. Understanding the route layout and zone boundaries helps you plan your journey and understand which price applies. This guide covers every junction, all three zones, and the toll plaza locations.

M6 Toll Route Diagram

SOUTH (M42 / Birmingham)
Zone 1 (South)
M42 (J9)
T1
Coleshill, Water Orton
A446 (Coleshill)
T2
Coleshill, Gilson
A38 (south)
T3
Bassetts Pole, Middleton
Zone 2 (Central)
Toll Plaza (Southbound)
A38/A453 (Tamworth)
T4
Hints, Hopwas, Tamworth
A5 (Cannock)
T5
Weeford, Shenstone
A460 (Cannock)
T6
Cannock, Norton Canes
Zone 3 (North)
Toll Plaza (Northbound)
Norton Canes Services
A5 (Churchbridge)
T7
Churchbridge, Great Wyrley
M6 (J11a)
T8
Shareshill, Essington
NORTH (M6 J11a / Stafford)

Junction Directory

Below is a detailed guide to every junction on the M6 Toll, including the road it connects to, nearby towns and landmarks, and which pricing zone it falls within. The junctions are numbered T1 (southernmost, near the M42) through T8 (northernmost, reconnecting with the M6). Use this directory to identify which junctions you need and how many zones your journey covers.

T1

Junction T1

Zone 1 (South)

Connects to: M42 (J9)

Nearby: Coleshill, Water Orton

T2

Junction T2

Zone 1 (South)

Connects to: A446 (Coleshill)

Nearby: Coleshill, Gilson

T3

Junction T3

Zone 1 (South)

Connects to: A38 (south)

Nearby: Bassetts Pole, Middleton

T4

Junction T4

Zone 2 (Central)

Connects to: A38/A453 (Tamworth)

Nearby: Hints, Hopwas, Tamworth

T5

Junction T5

Zone 2 (Central)

Connects to: A5 (Cannock)

Nearby: Weeford, Shenstone

T6

Junction T6

Zone 2 (Central)

Connects to: A460 (Cannock)

Nearby: Cannock, Norton Canes

T7

Junction T7

Zone 3 (North)

Connects to: A5 (Churchbridge)

Nearby: Churchbridge, Great Wyrley

T8

Junction T8

Zone 3 (North)

Connects to: M6 (J11a)

Nearby: Shareshill, Essington

Zone Boundaries & Pricing Impact

The three zones determine how much you pay. The boundaries are drawn at junctions T3 (between Zone 1 and Zone 2) and T6 (between Zone 2 and Zone 3). When you enter and exit the M6 Toll, the system calculates how many zone boundaries you have crossed and charges accordingly. Understanding this can save you money if you only need to travel part of the route.

Zone 1 (South)

Junctions: T1, T2, T3

Coverage: M42 connection to A38 South

Example: Join at T1 (M42), exit at T2 (A446) = 1 zone

Car 1-zone: £5.80 std / £4.90 Breeze

Zone 2 (Central)

Junctions: T3, T4, T5, T6

Coverage: A38 through Tamworth/Cannock area

Example: Join at T3 (A38), exit at T5 (A5) = 1 zone

Car 1-zone: £5.80 std / £4.90 Breeze

Zone 3 (North)

Junctions: T6, T7, T8

Coverage: Norton Canes to M6 J11a

Example: Join at T7 (A5), exit at T8 (M6) = 1 zone

Car 1-zone: £5.80 std / £4.90 Breeze

Zone Counting Examples

  • T1 to T8 (full route): Crosses all 3 zone boundaries = 3-zone price (£11.60 car standard)
  • T1 to T5: Crosses zones 1 and 2 = 2-zone price (£8.70 car standard)
  • T4 to T6: Stays within zone 2 = 1-zone price (£5.80 car standard)
  • T3 to T8: Crosses zones 2 and 3 = 2-zone price (£8.70 car standard)
  • T7 to T8: Stays within zone 3 = 1-zone price (£5.80 car standard)

Toll Plaza Locations

There are two toll plazas on the M6 Toll, one for each direction of travel. Each plaza has multiple lanes including dedicated Breeze account lanes, standard payment lanes, and wide lanes for vehicles with trailers or oversized loads. The plazas are the only points where you interact with the toll system if paying at the barrier. Breeze account holders drive through the dedicated lanes where ANPR cameras read their plates and lift the barrier automatically.

Southbound Plaza

Located between junctions T3 and T4. This is the plaza you will encounter when travelling south (from the M6/north towards the M42/south). The plaza sits in the transition zone between zones 1 and 2. Approach with caution and reduce your speed as directed by overhead signs. Choose your lane based on whether you have a Breeze account or need to pay at the barrier.

Northbound Plaza

Located between junctions T6 and T7, near Norton Canes services. This is the plaza you will encounter when travelling north (from the M42/south towards the M6/north). The same lane options apply: Breeze lanes on the left, standard payment lanes in the centre and right. After passing through the plaza, Norton Canes services is accessible shortly after.

M6 Toll Key Facts

Here is a summary of the essential facts about the M6 Toll road for quick reference. These facts cover the road's physical characteristics, operational details, and connecting infrastructure. For a deeper dive into the history and ownership of the M6 Toll, see our About page.

Total length27 miles (43 km)
Speed limit70 mph
Number of junctions8 (T1-T8)
Pricing zones3
Toll plazasNorthbound (between T6-T7), Southbound (between T3-T4)
Service stationNorton Canes (between T6 and T7)
Southern connectionM42 Junction 9 / M6 Junction 3a (Coleshill)
Northern connectionM6 Junction 11a (Shareshill/Essington)
Opened9 December 2003
OperatorMidland Expressway Ltd (MEL)
Cash acceptedNo (card, contactless, or Breeze only)

Nearby Cities & Closest Junctions

The M6 Toll passes through a relatively rural area to the east of Birmingham, but several significant towns and cities are accessible from its junctions. Knowing which junction is closest to your destination helps you plan the most efficient route and understand which zone pricing applies to your journey.

Birmingham

Closest junction: T1 (via M42)

The city the toll road bypasses. Access via M42 at T1 or via A38 at T3.

Coleshill

Closest junction: T1, T2

Small market town immediately south of the M6 Toll. Closest to the southern entry point.

Tamworth

Closest junction: T4

Historic Staffordshire town. Access via A38/A453 at junction T4.

Lichfield

Closest junction: T3, T4

Cathedral city. Access via A38 at T3 or through local roads from T4.

Cannock

Closest junction: T5, T6

Former mining town. Access via A5 at T5 or A460 at T6.

Walsall

Closest junction: T7, T8

West Midlands town. Access via A5 at T7 or through local roads from T8.

Map & Junctions FAQ

Where does the M6 Toll start and end?

The M6 Toll starts at its southern end at junction T1, which connects to the M42 at junction 9, near Coleshill in the West Midlands. It ends at its northern point at junction T8, which connects back to the free M6 at junction 11a, near Shareshill and Essington in South Staffordshire. The total route length is 27 miles (43 km). Heading northbound, you join the M6 Toll by exiting the M6 at junction 3a. Heading southbound, you join by exiting the M6 at junction 11a. The road runs roughly north-south to the east of Birmingham, passing through rural parts of Warwickshire and Staffordshire.

How many junctions does the M6 Toll have?

The M6 Toll has eight junctions, numbered T1 through T8. These are prefixed with a T to distinguish them from the free M6 junction numbers. Not all junctions have full access in both directions, so some may only be used for entry or exit in one direction. The junctions are spaced along the 27-mile route, connecting to various A-roads that serve nearby towns including Coleshill, Tamworth, Cannock, and Lichfield. Between junctions T6 and T7, you will find Norton Canes services, the only service station on the M6 Toll.

What are the M6 Toll zones?

The M6 Toll is divided into three pricing zones. Zone 1 covers the southern section from junction T1 to T3, connecting with the M42. Zone 2 covers the central section from T3 to T6, connecting with the A38, A5, and A460 near Tamworth and Cannock. Zone 3 covers the northern section from T6 to T8, including Norton Canes services and the reconnection to the M6. The number of zones you travel through determines your price. A journey covering all three zones (T1 to T8) costs £11.60 for a car at the standard rate. Shorter journeys within one or two zones cost proportionally less.

What is the speed limit on the M6 Toll?

The speed limit on the M6 Toll is 70 mph, the same as all UK motorways. This applies to the main carriageway in both directions. Reduced speed limits may apply through the toll plaza areas and during any temporary roadworks. The road is designed to modern motorway standards with wide lanes, gentle curves, and good visibility. Traffic volumes on the M6 Toll are generally lower than on the free M6, meaning you are more likely to maintain a steady speed close to the limit throughout your journey. There are no speed cameras on the main carriageway, though average speed cameras may be in use during roadworks periods.

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