M4, M5, M32, and A38 live updates as slow-moving convoy protests disrupt network

Fuel price protests are set to make school holiday traffic jams even worse this morning during what is expected to be the busiest summer getaway in at least eight years. Disruption was expected in Cardiff as well as on the M4 but by 9am there were no signs of any protests in Wales

Around 9.24am Avon and Somerset said that a slow-moving protest convoy of about 10 vehicles had joined the M5 northbound at junction 24 Bridgwater.

They tweeted: "Currently there are no delays on motorways in our area due to protest activity but some motorists may experience longer journey times today."

Read more: The painful reality of what exorbitant fuel prices mean for people in Wales

The force had warned motorists that “slow-moving roadblocks” are planned on parts of the M4, M5, M32 and A38.

An image posted on the Facebook group Fuel Price Stand Against Tax suggests demonstrations will be held “nationwide” including in Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool, London, and Manchester. Superintendent Tony Blatchford of Avon and Somerset Police 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."

He added: “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 to consider any alternative travel plans available and ensure they are suitably prepared in case they are delayed.”

With most schools in England and Wales about to break up for summer, the RAC said an estimated 18.8 million leisure trips are planned in the UK between Friday and Monday. That is the most since the company began tracking summer getaway numbers in 2014.

On Friday