Bristol fuel protest: Drivers warned as second round of protests set to block M4, M5 and M32

Police are warning drivers of another round of fuel protests set to block the motorways around Bristol.

A slow-moving roadblock across parts of the M4, M5 and M32 is planned for this morning (Friday, July 22) after similar protests on July 1.

It will see vehicles travel northbound on the M5 between Bridgwater and the Almondsbury Interchange from about 8.45am, then head east along the M4 and to Junction 1 of the M32.

There the convoy is expected to exit, stop for a period of time, before conducting the same route in the opposite direction, arriving back in Bridgwater in the early afternoon.

At 9.23am, Avon and Somerset Police said the protest had started.

Superintendent Tony Blatchford said: “Our protest liaison team has been engaging with the organiser so we can inform the public of the likely disruption and help to minimise it.

“Nevertheless, drivers can expect journey times will likely be longer than normal, especially on motorways, which often tend to be at their busiest at this time of year.

“We advise motorists consider any alternative travel plans available and ensure they are suitably prepared in case they are delayed.”

Why is this happening?

Protestors are targeting a number of England, Scotland and Wales’ biggest motorways and roads in a demonstration over the high price of petrol and diesel.

The aim is to coerce government officials in cutting fuel duty costs as most filling stations across the country are seeing petrol and diesel priced at near or above £2 per litre.

According to the RAC, the average price of petrol is 191.53p per litre, whilst diesel stands at a record-high of 199.03p per litre.