National Highways has issued a formal apology to motorists for the frequent closures and disruptions on the M5 motorway, particularly throughout 2026 in Somerset. The motorway has experienced numerous serious incidents in recent years, including crashes and welfare concerns, leading to prolonged closures and significant diversions often routed through quieter, rural parts of the county.
At a recent meeting of Somerset’s climate, environment and place scrutiny committee, local councillors voiced frustration over the length and frequency of these delays. They called for explanations from both the police and National Highways, seeking measures to mitigate the ongoing issues.
Both organisations acknowledged the need for further work to address the problems but conceded there is “no silver bullet” solution and that funding remains limited.
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Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for highways and transport representing Curry Rivel and Langport, expressed “significant concerns” regarding the rising number and duration of motorway closures. Speaking at the committee meeting in Taunton on 9 July, he emphasised the widespread impact these incidents have across the region.
“When traffic is displaced onto the local road network, our roads can quickly become gridlocked, affecting people’s daily lives, disrupting businesses and services, and placing considerable pressure on our communities, our local economy and the wider South West economy,” said Councillor Wilkins. “We need to explore what more can be done collectively to reduce both the number of motorway closures and the length of time the motorway remains closed when incidents occur.”
Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets and representative for the Lydeard division near Taunton, highlighted a stark deterioration in traffic conditions on the M5, even outside the summer holiday season.
He said, “What once appeared to be a summer problem is now year-round. This year has been appalling. Put simply, we’ve had enough – and by ‘we’, I mean the populations and businesses of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.”
Following the cancellation of plans to dual the A303 and A358, the M5 remains the sole strategic route in and out of the peninsula. Councillor Rigby stressed the urgent need for the motorway to function more effectively.
Ian Thompson, National Highways' lead officer for stakeholder relations in the South West, formally apologised for the congestion. “We’re fully aware that 2026 has not been a good year for the M5,” he stated. “We are sorry, and we fully appreciate the impact that these incidents and closures have on the local communities – particularly Bridgwater, Taunton, and the surrounding villages on the diversionary routes.”
Acknowledging that approved diversionary routes pass through both rural and urban areas, Mr Thompson noted this is far from ideal but also pointed out that constructing a new road along the M5 is not planned. Consequently, the primary approach to managing congestion is to reduce the number of incidents occurring.
Somerset uniquely hosts two National Highways depots on the M5, located near the Edithmead roundabout in Highbridge (junction 22) and in the Chelston area of Wellington (junction 26). Mr Thompson explained these sites were deliberately chosen to minimise response times to incidents.
He also mentioned ongoing campaigns aimed at improving driving standards, such as targeting drink and drug driving and middle lane hogging, alongside campaigns like “TRIP” to enhance safety.
Most of the M5 dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, and Mr Thompson acknowledged the need for substantial investment to modernise the route. He outlined plans to invest over £100 million by 2031, primarily through overnight work to minimise disruption.
National Highways classifies a “serious incident” as any event causing one or more lanes to close on either carriageway, including significant crashes or instances involving a “person in crisis.” While the police decide the extent and duration of closures, National Highways works closely with them and local councils to restore the motorway swiftly once investigations conclude.
Mr Thompson emphasised that no closures this year have resulted from motorway infrastructure faults. Instead, he attributed incidents to driving behaviour, vehicle condition, and standards on the M5.
Statistics reveal Somerset accounts for 12.9% of the South West’s motorway network but experiences 15.7% of closure incidents and a notably high 29.1% of incidents caused by “persons in crisis.”
Karl Parfitt, chief executive of the Avon and Somerset police and crime commissioner’s office, confirmed road safety is a priority under commissioner Clare Moody, particularly given rising deaths and serious injuries across Somerset’s roads. He highlighted the need to improve coordination and communication during incidents and suggested considering pre-planned contingencies for resource deployment.
Johnny Hill, National Highways' route manager for Somerset, Devon and Dorset, confirmed ongoing efforts to ease congestion on Somerset’s wider road network to alleviate pressure on the M5.
He stated, “Nobody wins when the road is closed, and nobody wants the road to be closed. We are assessing the route between South Petherton and Honiton holistically to reduce incidents and improve resilience, including addressing flooding hotspots.”
Mr Hill noted the current investment strategy focuses heavily on renewals, reflecting the motorway’s age as much of the infrastructure, built around the same time, is requiring attention simultaneously. However, he assured that smaller-scale improvements would occur in the coming years.