The M5 motorway is experiencing significant tailbacks following a series of crashes. Traffic monitoring service Inrix reports that motorists are currently held up on the southbound lane between Junctions 19 and 20. The initial jam is believed to have been triggered by a collision, but officials have indicated that the situation has been exacerbated by heavy holiday traffic.

As of 12:39, queues have also formed on the northbound lanes due to a broken-down vehicle located between Junction 20 for Clevedon and Junction 19 for Portishead. This incident has resulted in the closure of one lane, further complicating the traffic situation. Inrix noted, "Queueing traffic and one lane closed due to broken down vehicle on M5 Northbound from J20 B3133 Ettlingen Way (Clevedon) to J19 A369 Martcombe Road (Portishead)."

At 12:37, traffic services reiterated that the ongoing congestion is "not helped by holiday traffic." This influx of vehicles is attributed to the Bank Holiday weekend, with many people travelling to and from the area. Inrix stated, "All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to accident on M5 Southbound between J19 A369 Martcombe Road (Portishead) and J20 B3133 Ettlingen Way (Clevedon). Congestion to after J14 (Thornbury). Not helped by holiday traffic."

Inrix has predicted long delays on the M5, stating, "Long delays due to earlier accident on M5 Southbound between J19 A369 Martcombe Road (Portishead) and J20 B3133 Ettlingen Way (Clevedon). Congestion to after J14 (Thornbury / Falfield). The road was blocked for around 30 minutes, but all lanes are now open again; long delays still remain in the area, which isn't helped by holiday traffic."

Motorists are advised to expect extended travel times and to plan their journeys accordingly.