AN apology to Somerset motorists who have faced frequent closures on the M5 motorway in recent years has been given by National Highways.

Numerous serious incidents on the M5 through the county have occurred, with crashes and ‘concerns for welfare’ resulting in lengthy closures and diversions through quieter, rural roads.

Now, Somerset councillors have publicly aired their grievances, demanding an explanation from the police and National Highways about the length and frequency of the delays.

Both organisations agreed more work was needed to tackle the issues, while admitting there was ‘no silver bullet’ and only limited funding available.

Somerset executive Cllr Richard Wilkins said there were ‘significant concerns’ about both the frequency and the duration of motorway closures and called for a ‘positive and collaborative’ approach to address underlying issues.

Cllr Wilkins said: “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.

“When traffic is displaced onto the local road network, our roads can quickly become gridlocked, affecting people’s daily lives, disrupting businesses and services, and placing considerable pressure on our communities, our local economy, and the wider economy.

“That is not to mention the devastating impact to any individuals and their families who are directly caught up in any incident.”

National Highways regional officer Ian Thompson formally apologised for the congestion experienced to date.

Mr Thompson said: “We are fully aware 2026 has not been a good year for the M5.

“We are sorry, and we fully appreciate the impact these incidents and closures have on the local communities.

“The solution is to build a new road along the M5.

“That is not happening.

“So, the only way to deal with the impact of congestion is to reduce the number of incidents.”