The decision to increase prices for the M6 toll road could have major implications for transport firms and supply chains across Britain, it has been claimed.
Midland Expressway has raised the toll price for HGVs by 6.4 per cent - almost double the rate of inflation.
However, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) fears the move will only cause more lorries to avoid the bypass, leading to even greater congestion on the M6 itself.
Stephen Kelly, the organisation's head of policy for the midlands, said extra toll costs would effectively "close the gate" to the M6 toll for many hauliers.
As a result, more HGVs would travel along the M6, increasing emissions and fuel costs for operators as a result of increased congestion, he claimed.
"This is far from perfect for those companies that need to plan delivery routes efficiently and the businesses that depend on a reliable supply chain will also suffer," Mr Kelly added.
The FTA has also criticised the government this week for introducing a series of above-inflation fuel duty rises over the past two years after fuel costs were shown to be one of the largest culprits for the recent sharp rise in inflation.
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