M5 drivers stuck in 12 miles of traffic lasting two hours after police incident | News UK


To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video

The M5 in Somerset is experiencing delays of up to two hours after a large police incident on the busy motorway.

There are currently 12 miles of congestion on the motorway after a portion of the road near Bridgwater was shut down between J23 in Puriton and J24 in Huntworth.

Avon and Somerset Police went to the scene, but the delay has increased to two hours of wait time despite reopening an hour ago.

The M5 in Somerset near Bridgewater was shut in both directions between J23 in Puriton and J24 in Huntworth due to fears for the safety an individual, the force said.

A man was seen walking on the carriageway, approaching vehicles and ‘hitting cars’.

Sign up for all of the latest stories

Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.

One witness said: ‘You could hear him shouting, but it didn’t make sense.’

Samaritans are here to listen, day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org for more information.

Screen grab from a traffic cam showing cars queueing on the M5 in Somerset.
Delays are lasting more than two hours (Picture: National Highways)

Avon and Somerset Police said: ‘We’re pleased to say this incident has come to a safe resolution. The M5 and A39 have both been reopened, but there is congestion.

‘We’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding during these necessary closures to keep everyone safe.’

One commuter told the Express: ‘We are stuck in the traffic and have been for over an hour. We have got our 10-month-old baby in the car, which makes it a lot worse.

‘There was no proper communication about the incident, and we had no idea it was this bad. Google Maps was only showing a 15 min delay!’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *