The M5 motorway in Gloucestershire is currently experiencing severe incidents causing substantial delays and complete shutdowns in both directions. The chaos began on December 18, when emergency services responded to a serious police incident around 4:45 PM between junctions 11A and 12. Traffic has been completely halted as authorities manage the situation.
According to Gloucestershire Police, the situation unfolded quickly after they received reports around 4:20 PM. "We’re at the scene of an incident on the M5 southbound carriageway between junction 12 and 11A. The carriageway is closed as emergency services are currently attending the scene," stated a police spokesperson.
Traffic monitoring service, INRI, detailed earlier reports indicating all vehicles were held stationary due to the police incident. "M5 blocked both ways due to police incident from J11A A417 (Gloucester / Cirencester) to J12 A430 (Quedgeley / Hardwicke)," they reported at approximately 4:45 PM.
While the police and emergency teams manage the incident, drivers have been urged to seek alternative routes. The congestion extended significantly—with many drivers caught up for hours. Reports noted, "Motorists are advised to use alternative routes where possible." Local bus services from Stagecoach, which runs numerous routes through Gloucester, have also been affected, with delays reported on all local services. A statement from Stagecoach confirmed, "All local services are currently suffering from severe delays due to the incident closing the M5."
Efforts were made to alleviate some of the congestion as traffic management teams announced the preparations to release ‘trapped’ traffic. National Highways advised motorists on diversion routes which include exiting at J11A onto the A417, continuing to Brockworth, and rerouting back onto the M5 at junction 12.
Just the day prior, the M5 had also seen disruptions when part of the motorway was closed due to another incident involving a vehicle shedding its load. This situation had closed one lane northbound between Thornbury and Stroud. The lane remained shut until approximately 9:30 AM, causing significant delays as commuters battled through the morning rush hour. Thankfully, after quick responses from National Highways, normal traffic was restored as the shed load was cleared and all lanes reopened.
Meanwhile, the rapid sequence of incidents raised serious concerns for many motorists—particularly when considering reports from the field. Several drivers expressed frustration over being stranded on the highway for lengthy periods. One affected motorist lamented, "On my way to Birmingham to see a concert as I’m sure many are. When will this end?" Another driver, assisting elderly passengers coming home from the hospital, stated, "I fully understand you are dealing with an incident and you need time," as they had been caught up for over two hours.
Added to this mix was also the experience of motorists dealing with another serious incident the night before. On December 17, three lanes of the M5 were closed for over an hour due to a car burstinginto flames on the northbound lanes between junctions 6 and 5. The blaze, attended to by the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, was extinguished quickly, but it halted traffic during evening rush hour.
"Two crews from Worcester and Bromsgrove Fire Stations were called at 7:02 PM to deal with the fire, quickly bringing it under control. Thankfully, no injuries were reported," confirmed the spokesperson. National Highways reported continual monitoring of the situation, emphasizing their focus on maintaining at least one lane open during such emergencies.
These recurring incidents have highlighted the precarious nature of traffic management on high-volume motorways, particularly during peak travel times. Authorities continue to remind drivers to stay alert and prepared for sudden changes on the road. While many are anxious to reach their destinations, the safety and well-being of all road users remain the primary concern.
With heavy traffic now impacting not just the M5 but local routes throughout Gloucester, residents and commuters alike are left to navigate the challenges posed by road closures and emergency responses. Traffic updates remain fluid as the situation develops, and closures are expected to roll through rush hour, affecting many who rely on the motorway for daily travel.
