Major disruption is expected on a number of routes in South Wales and parts of England today (Friday), with fuel protests taking place.
Protesters are expected to target the M4 in South Wales and the M5 in South West England, as well as a number of other routes. It comes as millions hit the roads today to start the summer holidays.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police (One of the force areas affected by planned protests) said:
A protest on parts of the M4, M5, M32 and A38 is planned for today (Friday 22 July).
Motorists are advised to plan ahead with slow-moving roadblocks planned.
- The first will see vehicles travel northbound on the M5 between Bridgwater and the Almondsbury Interchange from about 8.45am, then head east along the M4 and to junction 1 of the M32. There the convoy is expected to exit, stop for a period of time, before conducting the same route in the opposite direction, arriving back in Bridgwater in the early afternoon.
- A second protest group is due to set off at 8.45am from the same location near junction 24 of the M5 and carry out a slow-moving protest along the A38 to the Bristol Road Shell garage in Bridgwater. They are expected to block the forecourt during the morning.
Superintendent Tony Blatchford said: “Our protest liaison team has been engaging with the organiser so we can inform the public of the likely disruption and help to minimise it.
“Nevertheless, drivers can expect journey times will likely be longer than normal, especially on motorways, which often tend to be at their busiest at this time of year.
“We advise motorists consider any alternative travel plans available and ensure they are suitably prepared in case they are delayed.”
