Overview
- A police‑led safety operation closed the M5 both ways between Junction 23 (Dunball) and Junction 24 (Bridgwater) on Friday, July 17 after witnesses reported a man walking on the carriageway and striking vehicles, prompting officers to secure the scene.
- National Highways and traffic monitors reported queues as long as about 12 miles and delays up to around two hours on approaches to the M5, and the motorway and nearby A39 only reopened after police declared the incident safely resolved.
- On the morning of Saturday, July 18 a separate vehicle fire on the M5 northbound between J25 (Taunton) and J24 (Bridgwater) closed one lane; Avon Fire and Rescue extinguished the blaze and all lanes reopened at about 10:30am.
- A serious two‑vehicle collision on the M4 westbound between J16 (Swindon) and J17 (Chippenham) late on Saturday evening triggered a major response including multiple air ambulances, several people injured, and a westbound closure for forensic work and recovery.
- National Highways confirmed the M4 westbound fully reopened on the morning of Sunday, July 19 after roughly 12 hours of closure, but drivers were warned to expect residual delays, to follow signed diversions such as the A38/A39 and to allow extra journey time.