M5 traffic RECAP: Motorway traffic held northbound and southbound sparking Somerset delays
The M5 traffic has been stopped both northbound and southbound.

Traffic on the M5 has been halted in both directions due to a police incident in Somerset. National Highways said: "The M5 near Burnham-on-Sea is currently being held in both directions between J22 to J23 due to a police led incident.
"Avon and Somerset Police are on scene. Current delays of 20 minutes and three miles of congestion in both directions." Police said they were called to "reports of a person walking on the hard shoulder of the southbound carriageway of the M5" at around 1pm. All lanes have been reopened in the afternoon.
THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED.
KEY EVENTS
End of live blog
This live blog is now closed. More info and updates will be published on our website.
Thank you for following us.
Reports of 'person walking on the hard shoulder'
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “At 1pm we received several reports of a person walking on the hard shoulder of the southbound carriageway of the M5, near Burnham-on-Sea.
“Officers attended and traffic was briefly stopped while searches were carried out. The motorway has since been reopened.
“Enquiries to locate the person are continuing.”
Delays of 30 minutes on the M5
Motorists are still being warned of delays of 30 minutes.
Three miles of congestion
There still remain three miles of congestion in the area.
All lanes have reopened on the #M5 near #BurnhamonSea in both directions between J22 and J23 following a police led incident.
\u2014 National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) May 13, 2026
There are residual delays of 30 minutes and 3 miles of congestion in both directions. pic.twitter.com/GAIAd6vbpv
All lanes reopened
All lanes have been reopened, National Highways said. Motorists are still being warned of residual delays.
Motorists warned of delays
The latest traffic updates say there are currently delays of 20 minutes against expected conditions.
Map of road closure
Here is a traffic map showing the stretch of the M5 affected by the incident.

Traffic building up in the area
Here is an update from National Highways.
The #M5 near #BurnhamonSea is currently being held in both directions between J22 to J23 due to a police led incident.@ASPolice are on scene.
\u2014 National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) May 13, 2026
Current delays of 20mins and 3 miles of congestion in both directions. pic.twitter.com/OCsTnhDsyS
Police-led incident
Avon and Somerset are at the scene. Traffic is being held between J22 to J23.
Traffic halted on M5
Traffic on the M5 has been halted in both directions due to a police incident near Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset.