National Highways has issued a formal apology to Somerset drivers over the repeated closures that have plagued the M5 in 2026. The apology came during a climate, environment and place scrutiny committee meeting held in Taunton on July 9, where Somerset councillors voiced their frustrations over the frequency and duration of motorway closures.
Formal Apology Issued for M5 Disruption
Ian Thompson, National Highways' lead officer for stakeholder relations in the South West, directly apologised for the disruption. "We're fully aware that 2026 has not been a good year for the M5," he said. "We are sorry, and we fully appreciate the impact that these incidents and closures have on the local communities – particularly Bridgwater, Taunton and the surrounding villages on the diversionary routes."
Thompson noted that the approved diversionary routes for M5 closures go through both rural and urban locations, which he admitted was "not ideal." He added that building a new road alongside the M5 is not happening, so the only solution is to reduce the number of incidents.
Councillors Express Frustration Over Year-Round Congestion
Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for highways and transport, told the committee that there were "significant concerns" about both the frequency and length of motorway closures. He urged a "positive and collaborative" approach to tackle the underlying problems. "We need to address the year-on-year increase to the frequency and duration of the closures on the M5, and the far-reaching, region-wide impact these incidents can have," he said.
Wilkins emphasised that when traffic is diverted onto local roads, gridlock quickly ensues, affecting daily life, businesses, and the wider South West economy. He also highlighted the devastating impact on individuals and families directly caught up in incidents.
Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets, said congestion on the M5 had "deteriorated markedly" and was no longer just a summer problem. "What once appeared to be a summer problem is now year round. This year has been appalling," Rigby said. "Put simply, we've had enough – and by 'we', I mean the populations and businesses of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset."
Rigby criticised the abandonment of plans to dual the A303 and A358, leaving the M5 as the only strategic road in and out of the peninsula. "We have had the rough end of the stick regarding highways investment in the south west, and we're not prepared to see the only decent road we have turned into a car park," he added.
Aging Infrastructure and Investment Plans
Thompson explained that the M5, mostly built during the 1960s and 1970s, requires considerable upgrades. "The road is getting old. We need to invest a lot of money, and we are doing that," he said. He announced that over £100m will be invested up to 2031, with most work done overnight to minimise disruption. The M5 board has been established to coordinate roadworks and avoid clashes with local projects.
Somerset is the only South West county housing two National Highways depots along the M5 – near Edithmead roundabout in Highbridge (junction 22) and in Chelston, Wellington (junction 26). Thompson said these depots were carefully positioned to minimise response times.
Police and National Highways Collaborate on Solutions
National Highways defines a "serious incident" as one closing one or more lanes on either carriageway, such as a major collision or a "person in crisis." Thompson clarified that police determine the extent and duration of closures. He stressed that no incident shutting the M5 in 2026 was due to National Highways' assets; all were caused by other factors, primarily poor driving standards.
Statistics presented at the meeting show that Somerset accounts for 12.9% of the South West's motorway network but 15.7% of incidents leading to closure – and 29.1% of incidents caused by "persons in crisis." Karl Parfitt, chief executive of the Avon and Somerset police and crime commissioner's office, said road safety is a priority given rising fatalities and serious injuries. He called for improved coordination and communication during incidents and suggested pre-planned contingencies. "There is no silver bullet that can solve this," he said.
Johnny Hill, National Highways' route manager for Somerset, Devon and Dorset, said the agency is exploring measures to alleviate congestion on other routes to reduce strain on the M5. "Nobody wins when the road is closed, and nobody wants the road to be closed," he stated. Hill mentioned a holistic review of the route between South Petherton and Honiton to reduce incidents and address flooding hotspots. He acknowledged that the current road investment strategy is heavily focused on renewals, as much of the network is aging simultaneously. "That time is basically now," he said, but promised smaller-scale improvements in the next five years.
