Major disruption is expected on Monday (July 4) as protesters block all of the motorways serving Bristol to campaign against soaring fuel costs. Motorists have been urged to plan ahead as several key routes are likely to be affected, including the M4 Severn Bridge between England and Wales in both directions.
Police say that a slow-moving roadblock is also planned on the M5 between Bridgwater and the Almondsbury Interchange from around 8:30am, which is likely to head east towards Bristol via the M4 and M32. From there, there is a possibility the same protest could be carried out along the same route towards Somerset.
It is expected that the protests may also have knock-on effects on other roads, as drivers seek alternative routes. The protests are said to be around the cost of fuel.
Follow our live coverage of the blockades, and any resulting delays and traffic issues, from 6:30am on Monday
Superintendent Paul Wiggington said: "Working alongside Gwent Police, we are engaging with the various organisers of these protests. People have a right to peaceful protest and liaison teams from both Gwent and Avon and Somerset have been working to understand campaigners' plans so public safety is maintained and to reduce disruption to others.
"Nevertheless, drivers can expect journey times will likely be longer than normal, especially on motorways and main roads during the busiest times of the day. We advise motorists to consider any alternative travel plans available and ensure they are suitably prepared in case they are delayed."
More than 80,000 vehicles use the Severn Bridge - the M48 - to cross between Wales and England each day. A further 65,000 or so vehicles use the Second Severn Crossing - officially called Prince of Wales Bridge - as they journey on the M4 between the two nations.
Speaking to Wales Online, one protester previously said: "I work for a local haulage company. We use approximately 30,000 litres of diesel every fortnight so I fully understand the cost of fuel at this time. However action such as this may highlight the issue to government but it will not impact them in the slightest.
"It will impact on the supply chain affecting local businesses and local people as deliveries to shops won’t be made and people won’t be able to get to work. If you want to make a point why not bring Westminster to gridlock?"
Gar Baker wrote on Bristol Live's Facebook page: "Anyone that doesn’t feel that something needs to be done is clearly not financially affected by it but for the majority of the country and small businesses that are struggling this can’t come soon enough. Nearly 50% of the cost of a litre of fuel is now tax which is unacceptable."
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