Norton Canes: Difference between revisions
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{{Services | {{Services | ||
|type = motorway | |type = motorway | ||
|image = Norton Canes | |image = Norton Canes 2024.jpg | ||
|operator = Roadchef | |operator = Roadchef | ||
|operator2 = BP Express | |operator2 = BP Express | ||
| Line 18: | Line 18: | ||
==Facilities== | ==Facilities== | ||
{{facilities| Catering | {{Chozen Noodle}}, {{Coco Di Mama}}, {{Costa}}, {{Fresh Food Cafe}}, {{Leon}}, {{McDonald's}}, {{Costa Express}}, f'real Milkshakes, {{Krispy Kreme}}, {{Costa Drive Thru}} }} | {{facilities| Catering | {{Chozen Noodle}}, {{Coco Di Mama}}, {{Costa}}, {{Fresh Food Cafe}}, {{Leon}}, {{McDonald's}}, {{Costa Express}}, f'real Milkshakes, {{Krispy Kreme}}, {{Costa Drive Thru}} }} | ||
{{facilities| Shops | Phone Tech, {{ | {{facilities| Shops | {{Phone Tech}}, {{SPAR}}, {{WHSmith}} }} | ||
{{facilities| Amenities | {{Days Inn}}, {{Changing Places}}, {{Jackpot £500}}, Showers }} | {{facilities| Amenities | {{Days Inn}}, {{Changing Places}}, {{Jackpot £500}}, Showers }} | ||
{{facilities| Outdoor Space | Nature walk through woodland area and around Air Pulse Memorial next to hotel; public footpath connections }} | {{facilities| Outdoor Space | Nature walk through woodland area and around Air Pulse Memorial next to hotel; public footpath connections }} | ||
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==Parking Prices== | ==Parking Prices== | ||
First 2 hours free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay | First 2 hours free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £15 and HGVs, caravans and motorhomes £34. HGVs can pay £37 to include a £10 food voucher. | ||
Prices are paid using [https://groupnexus.co.uk/nexuspark/nexuspay NexusPay] | Prices are paid in the shop or by using [https://groupnexus.co.uk/nexuspark/nexuspay NexusPay]. The location code is 2241. | ||
HGVs can also pay by using [https://snapacc.com/ SNAP]. The location code is 5296. | |||
The fees are strictly enforced by [[GroupNexus]]. | The fees are strictly enforced by [[GroupNexus]]. | ||
| Line 59: | Line 61: | ||
Despite the M6 Toll being one of the quieter motorways, Norton Canes is one of Roadchef's busiest and most profitable sites. This contrast was noticeable during the COVID-19 lockdown: when traffic on the main M6 disappeared, leaving the M6 Toll with very little trade at all. | Despite the M6 Toll being one of the quieter motorways, Norton Canes is one of Roadchef's busiest and most profitable sites. This contrast was noticeable during the COVID-19 lockdown: when traffic on the main M6 disappeared, leaving the M6 Toll with very little trade at all. | ||
In | In spring 2018, [[Transport Focus]] calculated a 100% satisfaction score for the services, making it the top-performing site in the country. In 2019 the score fell to 'merely' 99%, but it was still top in the country. [[Which Magazine|Which? Magazine]]'s 2021 survey still spoke highly of Norton Canes, placing it in 4th place. | ||
Despite this impressive résumé, by the 2022 Transport Focus survey, Norton Canes had slipped down to 67th place, with a still-impressive 93% score. By 2023 it was in 86th place. | Despite this impressive résumé, by the 2022 Transport Focus survey, Norton Canes had slipped down to 67th place, with a still-impressive 93% score. By 2023 it was in 86th place. | ||
===Planning=== | ===Planning=== | ||
What's now the M6 Toll was first confirmed as a new motorway in 1991, with the contract to operate it won by Midlands Expressway Ltd. The path which had been reserved included provision for a service area which was officially registered in 1993 (sometimes erroneously called '''Chasewater services'''), when its planning application was rejected on environmental grounds. | What's now the M6 Toll was first confirmed as a new motorway in 1991, with the contract to operate it won by Midlands Expressway Ltd. The path which had been reserved included provision for a service area which was officially registered in 1993 (sometimes erroneously called '''Chasewater services'''), when its planning application was rejected on environmental grounds. | ||
Another site to the east of here was also examined, which became JT6. | Another site to the east of here was also examined, which became JT6. | ||
The government published a statement on service stations on "concession roads" (toll roads) in 1992, which explained that motorists wouldn't expect them to have the same facilities as free motorways, and that such service areas should have the freedom to become distinctive. They went as far as suggesting that in the future, privately owned motorways could compete on the quality of their service stations. | |||
The Norton Canes site was taken to a public inquiry, and permission was granted in 1997. It consisted of 68 acres. Like the motorway itself, the new service area would be owned by the Highways Agency but it would be the responsibility of Midlands Expressway Ltd. As the motorway was being built at the same time, it was easy to ensure the new service area had its own high-standard interchange to connect it to the motorway, which would then make it easier (and more desirable) to operate. | |||
Midlands Expressway Ltd received bids to design and operate the service area from [[Moto]], [[Welcome Break]] and [[Roadchef]], with Roadchef being awarded the 25-year contract in 2002. The use of a contract like this is very common abroad but had been completely phased out of the UK, with the unusual process here reflecting the M6 Toll's unusual status. | |||
===Opening=== | ===Opening=== | ||
The | The service area opened on 9 March 2004, a few months after the motorway itself. Roadchef described the site as "a new era in motorway services": it consisted of a single shell with large windows and a distinctive roof. Units were allocated to [[Costa Coffee]], [[Wimpy]], a shop branded [[reStore]], as well as a 40-bed [[Travel Inn]] hotel and a filling station operated directly by [[BP]]. The filling station was one of BP's largest in the country. | ||
The restaurant initially received positive feedback, although concerns were raised about the prices that came with it. | The building also held Roadchef's flagship [[onRoute]] restaurant, allowing customers to watch their food being cooked in front of them in what they called "a spectacular food theatre". The restaurant had table cloths, and provided table service after 6pm. The restaurant initially received positive feedback, although concerns were raised about the prices that came with it. | ||
Special attention was paid to the landscaping, with a short trail and a viewpoint being provided. Large green areas exist around the boundaries and a stream separates the HGV parking from everything else. At the entrance to the building was a quad which had fountains spraying out the ground: it was initially used by parents as a makeshift playground. | |||
Parking was initially provided for 350 cars, 52 lorries, 25 coaches and 6 caravans, in addition to a 110-space overflow car park which was supposed to be only opened when needed, but in practise has been almost always needed. | |||
The addition new HGV parking in the West Midlands received a lot of attention, because this is something the area had been lacking, and many commentators suggested the provision was too small. In reality, after the first month, Roadchef reported that they were being visited by fewer than 30 HGVs a day, and that only six of their HGV parking spaces were receiving any use. The new motorway was being used mainly by cars. | |||
The | The large new building also formed a head office for Roadchef. As well as the two main car parks, there is a staff car park, which is only directly accessible from Betty's Lane. A barrier allows emergency movement between the staff car park and the coach park, which in turn allows access to the motorway: without that barrier, there would be a route to avoid paying the toll. This car park had also been used by local traffic looking to use the facilities and hotel, but by 2010 the main gates were being regularly locked. | ||
===Memorial=== | ===Memorial=== | ||
[[File:Norton Canes memorial 2023.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The Air Pulse Memorial | [[File:Norton Canes memorial 2023.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The Air Pulse Memorial positioned next to the hotel.|alt=Air Pulse Memorial.]] | ||
Roadchef and the M6 Toll's owners added the 'Air Pulse Memorial' on top of the hill next to the hotel in December 2016, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Midlands Air Ambulance. The 4.6m tall sculpture was designed by local sculptor Richard Thornton, with plaques around the sculpture explaining the reasoning behind its placement and information about the charity. | |||
Roadchef had already been working with the Midlands Air Ambulance, as an air base is located at their [[Strensham|Strensham services]]. | |||
=== | ===Expansion=== | ||
As Norton Canes is | As Norton Canes is Roadchef's head office, this makes it an easy place to trial new ideas. The Bread Kitchen was trialled here in 2012 inside the [[Hot Food Co]] unit. The Fresh Food Café trialled products from Italian food-to-go [[Coco di Mama]]. | ||
The | The [[Wimpy]] unit became Roadchef's holding brand [[The Burger Company]], and Norton Canes became the last site to continue to use that brand. It finally closed on 4 January 2016, with the [[McDonald's]] replacing it in March 2016. | ||
The amenity building was extended and reorganised in 2017, providing space for a new [[SPAR]] store, additional indoor seating, a larger outdoor seating area and a new [[Leon]] restaurant. | The amenity building was extended and reorganised in 2017, providing space for a new [[SPAR]] store, additional indoor seating, a larger outdoor seating area and a new [[Leon]] restaurant. | ||
The hotel previously included a [[Regus Express]] meeting room | The hotel previously included a [[Regus Express]] meeting room, but this closed in 2020 following the lockdown. The space has since been converted into additional office space. | ||
The Costa unit received a refurbishment in early 2024, reconfiguring the layout to improve customer flows and gaining four self-order kiosks. The seating area also now features a unique pergola-style cover. | |||
==Alternatives== | ==Alternatives== | ||
| Line 111: | Line 115: | ||
{{bottomnav}} | {{bottomnav}} | ||
[[Category:2000s]][[Category:M6 Toll]][[Category:Pilot Services]] | [[Category:2000s]][[Category:M6 Toll]][[Category:Pilot Services]][[Category:Services on TV]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:29, 2 March 2025
M6 Toll between JT6 and JT7
Signposted from the road.
WS11 9UX
map and directions
Single site located between junctions with access to both sides.
An exclusive treat for drivers on Britain's only tolled motorway, Norton Canes is a veteran of customer satisfaction surveys. Its fountains, picnic areas and choice of food draws in remarkable crowds for such a quiet road.
Facilities
Catering: Chozen Noodle, Coco di Mama, Costa Coffee, Fresh Food Café, LEON, McDonald's, Costa Express, f'real Milkshakes, Krispy Kreme, Costa Drive Thru Shops: Phone Tech, SPAR, WHSmith Amenities: Days Inn, Changing Places, Jackpot £500, Showers Outdoor Space: Nature walk through woodland area and around Air Pulse Memorial next to hotel; public footpath connections Charging Points: GRIDSERVE Electric Highway 50kW CCS, 50kW CHAdeMO & 22kW Type 2 Forecourt: BP, BP Connect, Wild Bean Café, Free Cash Machine
Parking Prices
First 2 hours free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £15 and HGVs, caravans and motorhomes £34. HGVs can pay £37 to include a £10 food voucher.
Prices are paid in the shop or by using NexusPay. The location code is 2241.
HGVs can also pay by using SNAP. The location code is 5296.
The fees are strictly enforced by GroupNexus.
This information is provided to us by third parties. You should always check with staff on site.
Contact Details
🏢 Address:
Road Chef
Norton Canes M S A
Bettys Lane
Norton Canes
Cannock
Staffordshire
- Amenity building operated by Roadchef
- Official Days Inn Cannock website
- Official BP Express website
- Foursquare Page
- 📞 Telephone number: 01543 272540
- 📌 what3words: ///tries.armed.legend
- more map options
Trivia and History
The original entrance, pictured in 2007.
Despite the M6 Toll being one of the quieter motorways, Norton Canes is one of Roadchef's busiest and most profitable sites. This contrast was noticeable during the COVID-19 lockdown: when traffic on the main M6 disappeared, leaving the M6 Toll with very little trade at all.
In spring 2018, Transport Focus calculated a 100% satisfaction score for the services, making it the top-performing site in the country. In 2019 the score fell to 'merely' 99%, but it was still top in the country. Which? Magazine's 2021 survey still spoke highly of Norton Canes, placing it in 4th place.
Despite this impressive résumé, by the 2022 Transport Focus survey, Norton Canes had slipped down to 67th place, with a still-impressive 93% score. By 2023 it was in 86th place.
Planning
What's now the M6 Toll was first confirmed as a new motorway in 1991, with the contract to operate it won by Midlands Expressway Ltd. The path which had been reserved included provision for a service area which was officially registered in 1993 (sometimes erroneously called Chasewater services), when its planning application was rejected on environmental grounds.
Another site to the east of here was also examined, which became JT6.
The government published a statement on service stations on "concession roads" (toll roads) in 1992, which explained that motorists wouldn't expect them to have the same facilities as free motorways, and that such service areas should have the freedom to become distinctive. They went as far as suggesting that in the future, privately owned motorways could compete on the quality of their service stations.
The Norton Canes site was taken to a public inquiry, and permission was granted in 1997. It consisted of 68 acres. Like the motorway itself, the new service area would be owned by the Highways Agency but it would be the responsibility of Midlands Expressway Ltd. As the motorway was being built at the same time, it was easy to ensure the new service area had its own high-standard interchange to connect it to the motorway, which would then make it easier (and more desirable) to operate.
Midlands Expressway Ltd received bids to design and operate the service area from Moto, Welcome Break and Roadchef, with Roadchef being awarded the 25-year contract in 2002. The use of a contract like this is very common abroad but had been completely phased out of the UK, with the unusual process here reflecting the M6 Toll's unusual status.
Opening
The service area opened on 9 March 2004, a few months after the motorway itself. Roadchef described the site as "a new era in motorway services": it consisted of a single shell with large windows and a distinctive roof. Units were allocated to Costa Coffee, Wimpy, a shop branded reStore, as well as a 40-bed Travel Inn hotel and a filling station operated directly by BP. The filling station was one of BP's largest in the country.
The building also held Roadchef's flagship onRoute restaurant, allowing customers to watch their food being cooked in front of them in what they called "a spectacular food theatre". The restaurant had table cloths, and provided table service after 6pm. The restaurant initially received positive feedback, although concerns were raised about the prices that came with it.
Special attention was paid to the landscaping, with a short trail and a viewpoint being provided. Large green areas exist around the boundaries and a stream separates the HGV parking from everything else. At the entrance to the building was a quad which had fountains spraying out the ground: it was initially used by parents as a makeshift playground.
Parking was initially provided for 350 cars, 52 lorries, 25 coaches and 6 caravans, in addition to a 110-space overflow car park which was supposed to be only opened when needed, but in practise has been almost always needed.
The addition new HGV parking in the West Midlands received a lot of attention, because this is something the area had been lacking, and many commentators suggested the provision was too small. In reality, after the first month, Roadchef reported that they were being visited by fewer than 30 HGVs a day, and that only six of their HGV parking spaces were receiving any use. The new motorway was being used mainly by cars.
The large new building also formed a head office for Roadchef. As well as the two main car parks, there is a staff car park, which is only directly accessible from Betty's Lane. A barrier allows emergency movement between the staff car park and the coach park, which in turn allows access to the motorway: without that barrier, there would be a route to avoid paying the toll. This car park had also been used by local traffic looking to use the facilities and hotel, but by 2010 the main gates were being regularly locked.
Memorial
Roadchef and the M6 Toll's owners added the 'Air Pulse Memorial' on top of the hill next to the hotel in December 2016, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Midlands Air Ambulance. The 4.6m tall sculpture was designed by local sculptor Richard Thornton, with plaques around the sculpture explaining the reasoning behind its placement and information about the charity.
Roadchef had already been working with the Midlands Air Ambulance, as an air base is located at their Strensham services.
Expansion
As Norton Canes is Roadchef's head office, this makes it an easy place to trial new ideas. The Bread Kitchen was trialled here in 2012 inside the Hot Food Co unit. The Fresh Food Café trialled products from Italian food-to-go Coco di Mama.
The Wimpy unit became Roadchef's holding brand The Burger Company, and Norton Canes became the last site to continue to use that brand. It finally closed on 4 January 2016, with the McDonald's replacing it in March 2016.
The amenity building was extended and reorganised in 2017, providing space for a new SPAR store, additional indoor seating, a larger outdoor seating area and a new Leon restaurant.
The hotel previously included a Regus Express meeting room, but this closed in 2020 following the lockdown. The space has since been converted into additional office space.
The Costa unit received a refurbishment in early 2024, reconfiguring the layout to improve customer flows and gaining four self-order kiosks. The seating area also now features a unique pergola-style cover.
Alternatives
| Previous: | Next: | |
| Stafford (M6 northbound, 20 miles) Stafford (M6 southbound, 19 miles) Telford (M54, 21 miles) | Services on the M6 Toll | Corley (M6, 29 miles) Warwick (M40, 47 miles) Tamworth (M42 north, 16 miles) |
| Sandbach (M6, 41 miles) Stafford (M6 southbound, 19 miles) | Roadchef services | Watford Gap (M1 south, 50 miles) |
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