Maritime, one of the UK’s largest intermodal logistics operators, is to be the first business to trial the M6toll’s new transformational tolling system.
The Felixstowe based company’s trucks will be the first vehicles to pay for their journeys on the M6toll via the new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) based tolling system. Following Maritime’s trial, a number of other logistics operators will join the pilot project over the coming weeks and months.
ANPR cameras will identify license plate data, removing the need for card payments at the toll plazas and replacing them with a remote payment system. It will enable seamless end to end journeys and mean customers can manage all transactions via the M6toll website, whether for a single vehicle or larger fleets spread across a number of depots.
The ANPR cameras are part of M6toll owners’, Midland Expressway Ltd, plan for a multi-million-pound investment to transform the existing tolling infrastructure. This will also include a new customer relationship management system (CRM) and eCommerce systems, implemented as part of a strategy to drive growth and increase choice for customers.
Paul Heyhoe, Fleet Director at Maritime, said: “We are delighted to be the first business to trial the new ANPR based M6tolling system.
“The M6toll already provides an invaluable route through the Midlands by avoiding congestion on local routes and the addition of this new technology will help to further enhance that journey experience.
“With the new ANPR cameras offering a centralised user system, it means our fleet is ready to roll as soon as they leave the depots. For our drivers, it will provide a hassle-free experience end to end on the M6toll, with no stopping at the plazas so further efficiencies delivered during their journeys.
“We look forward to being the first operator to experience the new technology and to provide feedback on how the new tolling system works for a business.”
Julie Davies, Commercial Director at Midland Expressway Ltd said: “We welcome Maritime as our first customer to experience the new transformational tolling system.
“The M6toll has a commitment to ensuring the road remains the most reliable, efficient and cost-effective choice for HGV and commercial fleet operators, and this pilot project is another key part of that ongoing strategic approach.
“The new tolling system is part of the wider ‘Road Ahead’ digital transformation programme we have in place for the M6toll, where we will be upgrading not only the tolling technology on the road itself, but also the customer service systems we use behind the scenes. We are committed to providing hassle-free journeys and outstanding customer service and continuing to invest in the most innovative technology available is central to delivering on that promise.”
The M6toll’s long-term “Road Ahead” investment strategy has been developed to support its commitment to improving congestion and connectivity, nationally and across the West Midlands.
This strategic approach includes facilitating seamless end to end travel on the road, making it easier to pay and easier to use for all motorists and alleviating congestion on alternative routes in the West Midlands region.
Since its inception in 2001, Maritime has grown into one of the largest privately-owned intermodal transport operators in the UK.
Specialising in container transport to begin with, Maritime has diversified over the years to provide complete supply chain coverage through a wide range of services. With a network of over 40 depots, including a regional hub in Dordon, Tamworth, spanning the UK and a fleet of 1,300 vehicles, Maritime has an unrivalled infrastructure in place to deliver consistent, quality logistics solutions to its customers.
