BREAKING NEWS. 14.55pm 28.8.2009 - POLICE are warning of heavy traffic on the M5 northbound following the temporary closure of the motorway.
The motorway has been closed between junctions 21 and 18 following an incident on Avon bridge.

I do feel very sorry for the family of the man involved. My condolences go to them. But as a person who was stuck in the gridlock of the M5 caused by this incident, I have to say I think it could have been handled better. There were people on the M5 for hours, some with young families, with no access to toilet facilities or even water. Apparently one woman was walking up and down the carriageway looking for a nappy for a young child.
Why did the police have to close the whole northbound carriageway? Surely they could have kept one lane open and the traffic flowing in some form or another?
It was an unacceptable situation to leave one of the busiest tourist routes in this state on what was one of the busiest Bank Holidays of the year.
I know the police had a job to do and a duty to ensure not only the welfare and safety of the man, but they also had a duty of care to the thousands of motorists stuck on the motorway. Sadly, I doubt this will be the last time an incident like this happens. Perhaps the police and highways agency ought to look at a contingency plan that could swing into place should it occur again.