M5 closures in Somerset to be debated in Parliament

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 16:55 · Archive

Bridgwater MP Ashley Fox has secured a Westminster Hall debate over repeated M5 closures in Somerset.

Bridgwater MP Ashley Fox has secured a Westminster Hall debate to raise concerns about repeated closures of the M5 in Somerset and the widespread disruption they cause to local communities, motorists and businesses. The debate, titled 'National Highways' traffic management policies on the M5 in Somerset', will give Fox an opportunity to challenge the Government over how major incidents are managed and whether more can be done to minimise disruption.

Repeated closures have become a major source of frustration for residents, particularly around Bridgwater and North Petherton, where motorway traffic is frequently diverted onto the A38 and A39, bringing local roads to a standstill. With limited alternative routes across the Somerset Levels, incidents on the motorway quickly lead to severe congestion across surrounding towns and villages, affecting commuters, local businesses, deliveries and emergency services.

The parliamentary action follows 9,106 incidents reported on the M5 in Somerset over the last two years, according to newly released Freedom of Information data. This equates to roughly 12 incidents per day and nearly eight traffic collisions every week on the Somerset stretch. Fox has received numerous complaints from constituents and believes it is time for a review of whether National Highways' current traffic management arrangements adequately reflect the particular challenges faced in Somerset.

How it is being reported

• M5 road closures in Somerset to be discussed in Parliament after major concernsDeep concerns over the repeated closures on the M5 in Somerset will be discussed in ParliamentSomerset County Gazette · 5 Nov, 16:00
• M5 road closures in Somerset to be discussed in Parliament after major concernsDeep concerns over the repeated closures on the M5 in Somerset will be discussed in ParliamentBridgwater Mercury · 5 Nov, 16:00

In this story: Ashley Fox · Bridgwater · Somerset · National Highways · North Petherton · Somerset Levels

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