Traffic is at a crawl on the M5 in Somerset as drivers set out on the weekend getaway journeys. There are delays of around an hour and a half on the motorway in the northbound direction, with further "severe" delays heading southbound this afternoon (Friday, June 20).

The whole of the M5 is backed up between Bristol and Bridgwater, with stop-start traffic in both directions. Delays aren't helped by a collision at junction 18 in Bristol, as Inrix reports: "Long delays and two lanes closed due to recovery work and accident on M5 Northbound at J18 M49. Congestion to J20 (Clevedon).

"Note change of details. It was reported as breakdown but found to be an accident."

It further adds: "Severe delays on M5 Southbound around J20 B3133 Ettlingen Way (Clevedon). Congestion to before J15 (M4 interchange). Traffic in patches."

We will keep you updated with our live blog below. Send us information or pictures if it is safe to do so here .

Key Events

Molly Seaman

Long M5 delays

M5 - SOMERSET - SOUTHBOUND

Long delays on M5 Southbound around J20 B3133 Ettlingen Way (Clevedon). Congestion to J17 (Cribbs Causeway).Traffic in patches.

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Shannon Brown

Huge traffic delays

Best of luck to everyone travelling today (Image: National Highways)
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Shannon Brown

Worst traffic hotspots

Severe delays on M5 Southbound around J20 B3133 Ettlingen Way (Clevedon). Congestion to before J15 (M4 interchange). Traffic in patches.

Long delays and two lanes closed due to recovery work and accident on M5 Northbound at J18 M49. Congestion to before J20 ( Clevedon ). Note change of details. It was reported as breakdown but found to be an accident.

M5 Northbound lane closed on entry slip road due to broken down vehicle at J31 A38 ( Okehampton turn off). Traffic is coping well.

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KEY EVENT

Huge delays on motorway

National Highways reports delays of around an hour and a half on the M5.

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