DRIVERS are being warned of potential delays on the M5 this weekend as Bridgwater Carnival takes place.

Up to 120,000 spectators expected for the largest illuminated carnival in Europe, traffic levels are expected to increase between junctions 23 and 24 of the M5 throughout late afternoon and evening.

Carnival goers and other road users are also advised that access into Bridgwater from junction 24 will be closed from 4pm on Saturday (November 2), ahead of the new carnival start time of 6pm.

Gareth Price, Highways England emergency planning officer for the South West, said: “The carnival is a popular event in the south west and can lead to increased traffic volumes between junctions 24 and 23 of the M5, particularly between late afternoon and early evening and from 9pm onwards.

“We advise all people intending to use the M5 on Saturday evening to plan their journeys, listen out for radio updates and to check our traffic and travel information channels, particularly our @HighwaysSWEST Twitter feed.”

You can also follow live traffic and travel updates at www.bridgwatermercury.co.uk/li/traffic.in.bridgwater.