The M6 Toll is billed as an alternative to the M6 motorway

The operators of the M6 Toll said two lanes of the southbound carriageway have been closed on a 100-metre section near Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.

Midland Expressway Ltd (MEL) said the work was necessary to allow engineers to correct "unevenness" in the road surface.

One commuter, 33-year-old computer consultant Lee Turley, told BBC News Online he was angry at paying �2 to use the �900m road only to be held up.

It would've been quicker using the M6 Lee Turley

He said: "I think it's appalling.

"The toll road was saving me 20 to 25 minutes each morning.

"But it would've been quicker using the M6 this (Monday) morning.

"I find this ironic as the advertising campaign boasts how the M6 toll reduces the stress of queuing on the M6."

An MEL spokesman said: "On 10 January traffic management was installed on a short section of the southbound carriageway of the M6 Toll, near its junction with the A38, in readiness for remedial work on the road surfacing.

"It is expected that the work will be completed by January 20.

"In the meantime, drivers are requested to observe the temporary 50 mph speed limit through the road works."

The 27-mile route was opened by the Transport Secretary Alistair Darling on 9 December.

It is billed as offering motorists "relief" from the congestion on the existing M6 motorway.