The M6 Toll road created more than 250 jobs and brought �5m to neighbouring economies up to the first three months of operation, according to a study. The Staffordshire University survey said the economic boost happened within months of the motorway opening in 2003.
In particular communities in Tamworth, Lichfield, Cannock and Stafford have felt the ripple effect, it said.
The study said the M6 Toll had triggered major developments in the transport and logistics industries.
'More development'
It was analysed by economics professor Dr Geoff Pugh and Jon Fairburn.
They found the road had given access to lots of previously undeveloped land, attracting new businesses or relocations.
Dr Pugh said: "Sites close to the M6 Toll have been unlocked for developments which for the most part would not otherwise have occurred."
The new jobs do not include those people recruited to operate or work on the road.
Dr Pugh said the study ran from just before the announcement of the project until the three months after opening, and even more development had happened since then.
But John McGoldrick, coordinator for the National Alliance Against Tolls, said: "It is obvious that a road that was badly needed will help to create jobs. The problem which this study does not address is the effect of tolling the road.
"Removing the tolls would give a big boost to the economy, reduce driver frustration and increase safety. Why don't the academics study that?"
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