As debate rages over what amounts to "virtual" tolling of all Britain's roads, controversy is rising over the one road where tolling is already applied - the new M6 relief motorway in the West Midlands.

The Road Haulage Association has published what it calls "astonishing" results of a membership survey, which found that none of the hauliers questioned was a regular user of the new road. According to RHA chief executive Roger King: "Of those surveyed, only 20 per cent claimed to have used the M6 Toll at all, and one of those owned up to being in a car."

The organisation says 80 per cent of members believe the only way to increase use significantly is to bring the road into state ownership - although 50 per cent of those surveyed said they would be more likely to use the road if tolls were cut in half.

That view chimes in with research by the Freight Transport Association, which has reminded users that back in 1994 the road operator, Midland Expressway, predicted a toll rate of £3 for lorries. At present-day prices this would equate to £4, FTA says - less that half the current £10 rate. It points out that this rate is actually due to rise to £11 after ten million vehicles have used the road - probably this September.