Norton Canes Services - M6 Toll's Only Service Station
Norton Canes is the only service station on the entire M6 Toll route. Located between junctions T6 and T7 in the northern section, it provides fuel, food, EV charging, and overnight accommodation. Here is everything you need to know before stopping.
Between T6 and T7. Operated by Roadchef. BP fuel, GRIDSERVE EV charging, McDonald's, Costa, Greggs, WHSmith, Days Inn hotel. Open 24 hours. Single-sided (both directions use the same facility).
Location
Zone 3 (northern section) of the M6 Toll. The service area sits between the zone 2/3 boundary and the northbound toll plaza. This means you can access it from either direction of travel.
Important: Norton Canes is a single-sided service area, unlike most motorway services. Both northbound and southbound traffic use the same facility, accessed via slip roads from both directions.
Facilities
BP Fuel Station
Unleaded, super unleaded, diesel, and premium diesel. Open 24 hours. Prices are typically higher than off-motorway stations - consider filling up before or after the toll road if you are price-sensitive. Pay at pump available.
GRIDSERVE EV Charging
Electric Highway charging points operated by GRIDSERVE. Multiple connectors available including CCS and CHAdeMO. Check the GRIDSERVE app for real-time availability before your journey. Contactless payment accepted.
Costa Coffee
Full Costa Coffee outlet with the standard range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and pastries. Indoor seating available. Takeaway service for drivers in a hurry.
McDonald's
Full McDonald's restaurant with drive-through. Breakfast menu available in the morning. The drive-through can be accessed without entering the main services building.
Greggs
Standard Greggs bakery outlet with sausage rolls, sandwiches, bakes, and hot drinks. Quick option for a fast stop.
WHSmith
Convenience store selling newspapers, magazines, snacks, drinks, travel essentials, phone chargers, and basic supplies. Open during main trading hours.
Days Inn Hotel
Budget hotel on-site for overnight stops. Rooms bookable online in advance. Useful for breaking a long journey or early morning departures. Restaurant and bar facilities.
WiFi & Facilities
Free WiFi throughout the building. Baby changing facilities. Accessible toilets. Picnic tables outside for good weather. Traffic information screens showing live motorway conditions.
Customer Satisfaction
Norton Canes services has consistently ranked well in customer satisfaction surveys for UK motorway services. In the Transport Focus motorway services survey, it has achieved some of the highest scores for cleanliness, food quality, and overall experience. The fact that it is also Roadchef's head office likely contributes to the attention to standards.
Being the only service station on the M6 Toll, Norton Canes sees less volume than comparable services on the free M6, which generally means shorter queues, cleaner facilities, and a more pleasant stopping experience. At peak times (especially Friday afternoons and bank holidays), it can get busy, but rarely reaches the overcrowding seen at major M6 services like Hilton Park or Stafford.
Practical Tips
Fuel prices at Norton Canes are typically 10-15p per litre higher than off-motorway stations. If you can wait, fill up at a supermarket before or after your toll road journey.
The EV charging points can be busy during peak travel times. Check availability on the GRIDSERVE app before planning your stop.
Norton Canes is the last fuel stop on the M6 Toll. If heading northbound, the next services are on the M6 after junction 11a. If heading southbound, the next fuel is on the M42 after the toll ends.
Free parking is limited to 2 hours. For longer stays, the Days Inn hotel car park is available for guests.
The drive-through McDonald's is accessible without parking in the main services car park, making it quick for a fast food stop.
Traffic information screens inside the building show live conditions on the M6 and M6 Toll, which can help you plan the rest of your journey.
About Norton Canes Services
Norton Canes services opened in 2004, approximately a year after the M6 Toll itself opened in December 2003. It was purpose-built for the toll road and designed to a higher standard than many existing motorway services. The site is named after the nearby village of Norton Canes in Staffordshire.
Roadchef operates the services under a long-term contract and chose to locate their national head office at the site, which is unusual for a motorway service area. This dual role as both a service station and corporate headquarters means the site receives more investment and attention than a typical motorway stop.
The EV charging infrastructure was added later as part of the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway roll-out across UK motorway services. The charging provision has been expanded over time to meet growing demand from electric vehicle users.
Services FAQ
What facilities are at Norton Canes services?
BP fuel station, GRIDSERVE EV charging, McDonald's (with drive-through), Costa Coffee, Greggs, WHSmith, Days Inn hotel, free WiFi, baby changing facilities, picnic area, and traffic information screens. Open 24 hours.
Is there EV charging at the M6 Toll services?
Yes. GRIDSERVE Electric Highway provides EV charging at Norton Canes. Multiple connectors are available. Check the GRIDSERVE app for real-time availability before planning your stop.
How expensive is fuel at Norton Canes?
Fuel at Norton Canes is typically 10-15p per litre more expensive than off-motorway stations. If your tank will last, consider filling up at a supermarket before or after the toll road to save money.