Warning over M5 festive bottleneck

A STRETCH of the M5 near West Bromwich is expected to be one of the UK’s busiest roads this week with long delays predicted as the big festive getaway takes place.

The M6 around Birmingham is also expected to be very busy as drivers hit the road.

Motorists are being warned over “bumper-to-bumper” traffic, as an estimated 31 million leisure trips are being taken prior to the festive period. Traffic is expected to peak from 4pm on Friday.

Research by the RAC and traffic information supplier Inrix suggests 4.7 million leisure trips will take place on that day nationwide. Motorists are advised to delay journeys on major roads until after 8pm to avoid the worst of the traffic. Three stretches of motorway identified as having the longest expected delays are:

M5 north to J1 West Bromwich (delays of 33 minutes);

M25 clockwise J23 Hatfield to J28 Chelmsford (delays of 56 minutes);

M25 anticlockwise J17 Maple Cross to J12 for M3 (delays of 48 minutes).

The AA added that congestion was also expected on the M6 around Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Inrix analyst Trevor Reed said: “Drivers desperate to get away for Christmas are going to find themselves competing with commuters and shoppers for road space, so we recommend keeping tuned in to the changing traffic conditions on local radio and via in-car apps.”

Highways England said 98 per cent of England’s motorways and major A-roads will be clear of roadworks between Friday and January 2. More than 800 miles of roadworks will be lifted or completed on motorways and A-roads.