M5 traffic live: Person in hospital and miles of queues after serious lorry crash

There are severe delays and one person has been taken to hospital after a crash involving two lorries on the M5 earlier today (Friday, April 28). The collision between Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-super-Mare brought northbound traffic to a halt just after 1.30pm.

The southbound M5 was then closed to allow an air ambulance to land on the motorway and police have confirmed that two HGVs were involved in the crash. One person was conveyed to hospital by land ambulance this afternoon.

Lanes one and two of the northbound carriageway remain closed for incident investigation work to take place, but lane three has reopened. There are still delays of up to 90 minutes and the southbound carriageway has also fully reopened.

READ MORE: Lorry collision and tailbacks of more than 40 miles

A diversion route via the A38 and the A370 has been suggested by Highways England. However, the extra traffic displaced to these roads from the motorway has led to long queues on Colliters Way and near Bristol International Airport.

It was always going to be a busy day on the M5 today (April 29) as the early May bank holiday weekend begins. Plenty of holidaymakers will be heading to the West Country to enjoy some sunshine and the beautiful landscapes that we boast.

According to the RAC, drivers across Britain are planning around 16.8 million 'leisure' trips this weekend. They expect Monday to be the busiest day with around 3.3 million journeys made.

READ MORE: One person taken to hospital after serious collision

However, due to the current high fuel prices, it is reported that 14 per cent of drivers will not make a trip away this weekend. This figure was 6 per cent over Easter, indicating that the ongoing cost of living crisis is having an impact on how people spend their 'lesiure' time.

The RAC is encouraging people to check over their vehicles before a long trip this weekend, in order to avoid an unnecessary breakdown. They are advising motorists to quickly check their oil and coolant levels, as well as making sure their tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.

RAC traffic spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Easter might only have been a couple of weeks ago, but it looks as though plenty of drivers are still looking to make the most of this May Day bank holiday. We expect routes to classic tourist hotspots – especially the coasts – to clog up on Friday afternoon and through Saturday morning, although according to our research Monday could turn out to be the busiest day of the long weekend.

“Preparation is paramount though to avoid an inconvenient breakdown at the side of the road – it’s a fact that the majority of the jobs our patrols will attend this weekend will be avoidable if drivers spend just a little time checking their vehicles are ‘road-ready’. A quick look under the bonnet to check oil and coolant levels, as well as ensuring tyres are properly inflated and are in good condition could save hours of hassle at the side of the road.”

This is a live blog and we will keep you updated as the day goes on. Scroll down for updates.