National Highways has issued a formal apology to motorists for the frequent closures and disruptions that have characterised the M5 motorway in recent years, particularly throughout 2026 in Somerset.
Motorway users have faced numerous serious incidents, including crashes and welfare concerns, resulting in extended closures and diversions through quieter rural areas of the county. These disruptions have caused widespread frustration among local communities and road users alike.
At a recent meeting of Somerset’s Climate, Environment and Place Scrutiny Committee, councillors expressed their concerns, seeking explanations from both the police and National Highways regarding the persistent delays and their durations. Both organisations acknowledged the need for further work to address these issues but noted that there is no simple solution and that available funding is limited.
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Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for highways and transport, highlighted “significant concerns” about the increasing frequency and length of motorway closures, calling for a collaborative effort to resolve the underlying problems. He emphasised the extensive regional impact, including local road gridlock caused by displaced traffic, which disrupts daily life, businesses, and services, while also affecting the wider South West economy.
“We need to address the year-on-year increase to the frequency and duration of the closures on the M5, and the far-reaching, region-wide impact these incidents can have,” Councillor Wilkins remarked.
Councillor Mike Rigby, responsible for economic development, planning and assets, noted that the delays have worsened beyond the typical summer holiday season, describing 2026 as an “appalling” year. He criticised the South West’s limited highway investment and warned that the M5, as the peninsula’s primary strategic road, cannot continue to bear such pressures.
National Highways' Ian Thompson, lead officer for stakeholder relations in the South West, conveyed regret over the congestion and closure issues, acknowledging the impact on communities such as Bridgwater, Taunton, and surrounding villages along diversion routes. He admitted that diversion routes passing through rural and urban areas are far from ideal but explained that building a new road alongside the M5 is not planned. Therefore, reducing incident numbers remains the primary strategy to ease congestion.
Somerset uniquely hosts two National Highways depots along the M5 to enhance incident response times. Thompson also highlighted ongoing campaigns tackling driving behaviours, including interventions against drink and drug driving and middle lane hogging, which is known to be a problem on the M5.
“The road is getting old. We need to invest a lot of money, and we are doing that,” Thompson said. “Over £100 million will be invested up to 2031 to maintain and improve the motorway with minimal disruption.”
Due to the motorway’s age, built predominantly in the 1960s and 1970s, substantial investment and adjustments are necessary to meet current traffic demands. National Highways emphasises that all closures so far this year have resulted from external factors, such as driver behaviour and vehicle condition, not defects within their assets.
Statistical data reveals that Somerset comprises 12.9% of the South West’s motorway network but accounts for 15.7% of incidents leading to closures and a notably high 29.1% of incidents involving “persons in crisis.”
Karl Parfitt, Chief Executive of the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, confirmed that road safety is a priority, with ongoing efforts to improve incident coordination and resource planning. He cautioned that there is “no silver bullet” solution.
Johnny Hill, National Highways' route manager for Somerset, Devon, and Dorset, affirmed the agency’s commitment to reducing pressure on the M5 by addressing congestion on alternative routes and investing in flood alleviation. While acknowledging the extensive renewal work required across ageing infrastructure, he indicated that smaller-scale improvements are planned beyond the next five years.
The combined efforts of local authorities, National Highways, and emergency services aim to mitigate the challenges faced by the M5 in Somerset, improving safety and reliability for all motorway users moving forward.