New M5 Task Force Targets Somerset Motorway Gridlock

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-07 10:56 2 min read

A blurred view of vehicles driving along a motorway in the United Kingdom.

A new multi-agency working group has been established to tackle the frequent traffic disruption on the M5 motorway in Somerset. The initiative, backed by the Somerset Council executive, aims to address the long-standing issue of motorway closures and their subsequent impact on local businesses and residents.

Collaborative Strategy for Motorway Disruptions

The decision follows a review by the Climate, Environment and Place Scrutiny Committee, which brought together key regional stakeholders to address the complexity of incident management. The new task force will include representatives from Somerset Council, National Highways, Avon and Somerset Police, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

This group is tasked with analyzing incident data to identify specific areas for operational improvement. The primary objective is to develop a coordinated plan that reduces both the frequency and the duration of motorway closures, which often cause significant traffic spillover into local Somerset communities.

Strengthening Local Road Safety

Beyond immediate incident response, committee members have also signaled support for the potential creation of a Somerset Road Safety Partnership. This proposed body would focus on a proactive approach to road safety, integrating prevention, education, and enforcement activities across the region.

New M5 Task Force Targets Somerset Motorway Gridlock

Richard Wilkins, Lead Member for Highways and Transport at Somerset Council, acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, noting that emergency services face significant challenges when managing incidents on the M5. While there are no simple solutions to eliminating motorway disruptions, officials hope that this formal partnership will create a more structured response to future incidents.

Next Steps for Government Engagement

As part of the broader strategy to mitigate traffic issues, the Leader of Somerset Council has been authorized to write to the national government. This communication will formally highlight the issue of repeated M5 closures, seeking further support or policy adjustments to manage the impact of major road incidents on the local economy and community life.

Source: Somerset Council Newsroom

Context & actions About this article

Source check Verified Local Government Update

This report is based on the official announcement from the Somerset Council Newsroom regarding the formation of a multi-agency M5 task force.

Checks

Verified committee recommendations via Somerset Council minutes
Confirmed participating agencies including National Highways and Avon and Somerset Police

Somerset Council Newsroom Latest M5 traffic updates