The scheme is intended to relieve congestion on one of the busiest stretches of the strategic road network between the West Midlands and the east coast ports and also enable local businesses to operate more effectively.

Under the plans, 20% of the overall £1.5bn cost would have been raised by tolls. However, according to the Financial Times, the proposed plans have been dropped after pressures from local businesses, with the funds for the project expected to come from government funds.

In September, the Department for Transport carried out a public consultation exercise to gain views on the proposed scheme, the tolling arrangements, and the other options considered.