COMPANY car drivers could enjoy virtually lorry-free conditions on the new M6 toll road after two-thirds of haulage firms announced they would boycott the road.

A survey by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) shows 65% of companies believe the charge for lorries is too high.

They claim they will not use the road even in the rush hour. The toll road, due to open in January 2004, provides a bypass for the heavily congested M6 between junctions 3a and 11a.

Lorries will initially be charged £10 a trip, with a reduction at night of £1. Vans will be charged £5 (including VAT) with the same reduction at night. The fee for cars is £2.

The FTA survey results found that if the toll fee for lorries was cut to £5 then double the number of operators would consider using the new road.