Published: June 28, 2009
Burnham-On-Sea MP in drive to cut queues on M5 motorway

Burnham-On-Sea MP David Heathcoat-Amory has this week called for action to tackle congestion problems on the M5 motorway in Somerset.

It comes just days after Burnham-On-Sea.com reported that motorists on the M5 at Burnham-On-Sea faced long delays on Sunday (June 28th), as pictured, when a car overturned.

The MP has asked the Government's Minister for Transport to speak to the police and Highways Agency to push them to deal with congestion more effectively.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the Mr Heathcoat-Amory said: "The police are inclined to cordon off long sections of motorway causing immense tailbacks, frustration, economic loss, and motorists trying to find alternatives through small towns and along small roads."

He added: "It is a particular problem at the Bristol end of the M5 during a busy holiday period, when the motorway is already congested. There must be a better way of dealing with those accidents, such as photographing them, getting the vehicles off the scene and getting the traffic moving."

In reply, the Minister for Transport said: "Knowing that Mr Heathcoat-Amory is calling for action about congestion on the M5, I spoke to the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency yesterday and was given assurance that this was receiving attention, with the aim of improving clear up times. Also, that the Highways Agency has helped the police with technology that can rapidly determine and record evidence such as the position of vehicles."

The MP added: "Motorists on the M5 at Burnham on Sea experienced long delays on Sunday (28th June) after a car overturned. Motorways are the essential arteries that bring visitors to Somerset. It is very serious when motoring becomes gridlocked. One reason is the delay in removing vehicles involved in minor accidents."