Drivers advised to plan journeys ahead of Bridgwater Carnival event
Drivers intending to travel on the M5 in Somerset on Saturday 4 November are advised to allow extra time for their journeys ahead of the annual Bridgwater Carnival.
The annual Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is the largest illuminated carnival in Europe, attracting up to 120,000 spectators, and traffic levels are expected to increase between junctions 23 and 24 throughout late afternoon and evening.
Drivers are also advised that access into Bridgwater from junction 24 will be closed from 6pm on the night.
Gareth Price, Highways England emergency planning officer for the South West, said:
The carnival is a popular event in the south west and can lead to increased traffic volumes between junctions 24 and 23 of the M5, particularly between 5pm and 7pm and from 9pm onwards.
We advise all road users to allow extra time for their journeys, listen out for radio updates and to check our traffic and travel information channels.
Highways England provides live traffic information via its website.
Travel information is also available by phone from the Highways England Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 and updates will be provided via Twitter.
Carnival goers can also find further information on the Bridgewater Carnival website.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.