RAC is giving motorists something to smile about over the bank holiday weekend by paying for 3,000 cars to go through the M6 Toll.

Recent RAC research shows that more people are planning to stay in the UK this year, so the motoring organisation is set to bring some cheer and goodwill to the weekend by paying for 1,000 lucky motorists’ tolls every day throughout the Spring Bank Holiday. This unique gesture will see RAC covering the cost of 3,000 motorists’ toll fees, from Saturday 23 May to Monday 25 May inclusive. The offer will be open to drivers heading both North and South on the main M6 Toll plaza over the weekend and lucky drivers will be selected at random by toll staff to have their £4.70[1] toll paid as they go through the manned booths.

Supporting this initiative, Vicki Butler-Henderson, presenter of Fifth Gear says, “I’ve never heard of a motoring organisation doing anything like this before so I was very keen to get on board with RAC. Whilst getting away for the weekend can be a real treat, the stress of the journey and the costs incurred can put a dampener on driving, so RAC’s gesture will certainly be a pleasant surprise for motorists this Bank Holiday weekend.”

The initiative comes as RAC shares its Bank Holiday traffic and travel predictions. Set to be one of the busiest this year as half term and the Bank Holiday coincide, RAC predicts that millions of motorists will hit the road and the traffic will build up on all major routes throughout the weekend. Traffic will be heavier still if the sun shines and families flock to the beaches.

As an extra incentive for drivers, an RAC patrol will also be on hand at Norton Canes, the M6 Toll service station, to provide free spot checks including tyre pressure, oil and water checks. All motorists have to do is stop off at Norton Canes Motorway Services on the M6 Toll road, between JT6 and JT7 which can be accessed from both directions. Motorists will also be eligible for a 20% discount when purchasing breakdown cover from RAC Direct Sales Force or Patrols at Norton Canes.

Saj Arshad, director of RAC sales and marketing added; “RAC is passionate about getting people moving and we wanted to do something unique and cost-cutting for motorists this bank holiday, and it was great that the M6 Toll were really keen to partner with us on this initiative. As the driving people, it seems fitting that we can help reduce motorists’ Bank Holiday costs and generally bring some cheer to the journey, as well as easing congestion on one of the UK’s busiest roads.”