Repeated M5 Closures in Somerset Prompt Calls for Urgent Review

M5 motorway closures in Somerset affecting local businesses, Digi Mart USA News (Somerset, England): There are calls for an urgent review after repeated closures along a stretch of the M5 in Somerset have caused “carnage” for businesses, according to a BBC report.

One local haulage company, Wheeler and Son, has introduced shorter working hours after frequent disruption. Sean Howe, general manager of the Dunball-based firm near Junction 23, said it has moved from a five-day to a four-and-a-half-day working week, with a financial impact and missed commitments to customers.

Howe said Bridgwater became an “absolute nightmare” during motorway closures, as drivers were diverted through the town on the A38. Mohammed Rahman, manager of Spice Gallery Indian restaurant in North Petherton, said he was stuck on the motorway for six hours earlier this year and now sets himself an informal curfew to return from wholesalers in Taunton before noon on Fridays.

Charles Quick, who runs Thurloxton Farm on the A38, said queuing traffic diverted off the M5 stops customers reaching the farm shop. “It would be nice to see roads reopened faster, but I understand why it has to happen,” Quick said.

Ashley Fox, MP for Bridgwater, raised the issue in a parliamentary debate on Tuesday, saying he had received “numerous complaints” from constituents and wanted National Highways’ protocols reviewed. “Of course public safety must always come first, but we also need to consider the wider impact these closures have on the thousands of people who depend on the M5 every day,” he said.

A National Highways spokesperson said it works closely with emergency services and local authorities during unplanned closures and reopens roads as soon as it is safe to do so. Avon and Somerset Police said closures were the safest way to gather evidence.

Roads Minister Justin Madders told the Westminster Hall debate that disruption cannot be removed entirely, but National Highways should do everything it can to minimise it.