M5 crashes cause traffic chaos

Motorists faced delays on the M5 in Devon this morning (2 March), following a number of crashes.

The road was gridlocked on the north-bound carriageway between Junction 29, A30 (Exeter) and Junction 28, A373 (Cullompton).

Witness Drew Aspinwall told the Daily a number of emergency vehicles were in attendance and that the scene was chaotic.

The crashes happened as Exeter was lashed by heavy rain, hail and strong winds.

There were no injuries reported and traffic flow had returned to normal by noon.

Gusts of more than 45mph are forecast for later today and with more wet weather also expected; drivers are being warned to take extra caution.

A spokesman for the AA said: "Driving in wet conditions can be hazardous and even drivers with local knowledge can be caught out during heavy downpours, as the most modern road surface is still susceptible to standing water.

"Standing water creates a potential aquaplaning hazard as well as reducing visibility.

"Take it easy through standing water and if the steering does become unresponsive due to the rain, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually."

* Pictures from Bleep Communications

See also: http://www.theexeterdaily.co.uk/news/business-daily-local-news/multi-veh...