The M6 Toll is the UK's first pay-as-you-go motorway

The campaigners are opposed to plans for a new 50 mile pay-as-you-go road alongside the current M6 running from Cannock to Knutsford, in Cheshire.

Protesters say the route, through Cheshire and Staffordshire, would have devastating affects on the countryside.

About 300 members of various national and local organisations marched in Stafford and then handed over a petition to MP, David Kidney.

One of the organisers said they hoped to send a clear message of opposition to the Transport Minister Alistair Darling.

Plans for the UK's second private toll motorway were announced by Mr Darling in July.

The M6 Toll near Birmingham became the UK's first pay-as-you-go motorway when it opened in December 2003.

John Major's Conservative government began the project in the 1990s.