Edinburgh-based logistics company Menzies Distribution is the latest firm to trial the M6toll’s new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system.
According to the logistics firm, time critical efficiencies are vital to the success of its operations and joining the ANPR trial, with 1,400 of its vehicles, will provide the group with a seamless, end-to-end experience, with no stopping or TAG required when using the M6toll road.
Adam Purshall, director of fleet and procurement at Menzies Distribution, said: “Time efficiency and innovation are at the heart of every logistics solution that Menzies develops for its commercial partners, whichever industry sector they may be in.
“It is important for us to be early adopters of market leading technology, so we are pleased to be trialling this exciting new system for the benefit of our customers.”
The addition of Menzies to the ANPR pilot project follows successful trials with commercial operators Wincanton and Maritime. In April, Maritime became the first M6toll business customer to pay for their journeys via the new ANPR based tolling system.
The ANPR cameras identify licence plate data, removing the need for card payments at the toll plazas and replacing them with a remote payment system. It enables non-stop end to end journeys and means customers can manage all transactions via the M6toll website, whether for a single vehicle or larger fleets spread across a number of depots.
M6toll owner, Midland Expressway Ltd, has installed the ANPR cameras as part of a transformation of the existing tolling infrastructure, that also includes a new customer relationship management system and eCommerce system, implemented as part of a strategy to improve customer service and increase choice for customers.
Julie Davies, commercial director at Midland Expressway Ltd, added: “The new ANPR system trial will further enhance the time critical efficiency so valued by Menzies Distribution by helping them to achieve consistent and efficient journey times when using the M6toll as their regular route.
“Our data team report a 73% increase in commercial vehicles using the M6toll between 2012 and 2020 and as we add more commercial operators to the ANPR trial and lockdown further eases, we are seeing more commercial traffic using the road.”
