Latest news with #Avonmouth
BBC News
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
M5 northbound reopens following Avonmouth Bridge fault delays
A motorway bridge has reopened after emergency repairs left drivers queuing in traffic for more than two lanes of the M5 northbound were closed on Sunday after a faulty bridge join was discovered on the Avonmouth Bridge, near junction 18, at about 07:00 Highways said the repairs took longer to cure in the warm weather, with queues stretching 14 miles (22km) back to junction 21 for Weston-super-Mare. All lanes reopened at about 22:00 on Sunday and traffic monitoring site Inrix reports traffic is now moving freely.
BBC News
04-08-2025
- BBC News
Bristol: Rail disruption as train blocks line near Avonmouth
Dozens of trains have been cancelled after signalling issues led to a freight train blocking a line near Avonmouth. Disruption on the route between Bristol Temple Meads and Severn Beach is expected until at least 12:00 BST, with no service running between Clifton Down and Severn Beach. Rail replacement buses in the form of 16-seater minibuses have been put in place but these will not run to the train timetable due to the extended journey time by road, Great Western Railway said. Train tickets are also being accepted on a number of local bus services at no extra cost.
BBC News
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Hundreds of drivers failing to show up for tests in Bristol
Hundreds of candidates are failing to attend driving tests that were booked, a Freedom of Information request has average, a candidate fails to attend a test at both Bristol centres in Avonmouth and Kingswood every day, data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) many learners find booking a test in their home city almost impossible, every day there is likely to be a test cancelled because nobody turns in April, transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: "We inherited an enormous backlog of learners ready to ditch their L-plates but being forced to endure record waiting time for their tests." Between October 2023 and September 2024, 439 tests did not go ahead in Kingswood because candidates did not show up, an average of 37 every the same period, 344 tests did not go ahead in Avonmouth for the same reason, an average of 29 every month. In both centres, this represents about 3% of all tests four tests did not go ahead on average each month in the two Bristol centres because candidates arrived late; while six tests did not go ahead because of mechanical failure, the second most common reason after candidates not turning drivers across the country have been struggling to book tests for several years now, with a giant backlog first building up during the pandemic. The crisis has since got worse, with companies using bots to book tests and then resell them to learners at an inflated Alexander said in April: "I am instructing DVSA to take further action immediately to reduce waiting times which will see thousands of additional tests made available every month. We're acting fast to get Britain's drivers moving."The DVSA said in April that it was "continuing to reduce waiting times, and to encourage learners to only book their test when they're ready".
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
M5 traffic: Motorway at a standstill after horror caravan crash with debris strewn across the road
DRIVERS have been warned of traffic chaos on the M5 after a caravan crash this evening. Bumper-to-bumper queues are building on the major motorway after a smash unfolded near Avonmouth Bridge, Bristol, on the southbound carriageway. 2 Motorists were forced to navigate debris strewn over the road following the collision. Traffic is now at a standstill as investigations are underway between J18 M49 to J19 A369 Martcombe Road (Portishead). Traffic monitoring site Inrix confirmed: "All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to debris on road and accident, a caravan involved on M5 Avonmouth Bridge Southbound from J18 M49 to J19 A369 Martcombe Road (Portishead). "Traffic held now around 18:35." It follows "severe delays" on the M5 this afternoon Northbound between J23 A39 (Bridgwater North) and J22 (Burnham-On-Sea), according to AA. The congestion formed after another crash earlier today. This comes after we reported on a horror bus accident yesterday. narrowly avoiding cars before flying off the road near Eastleigh, Hampshire yesterday morning. 19 people were left injured following the disturbing ordeal, which was over in a matter of seconds. A youngster behind the camera says: "Oh my god, the bus has just had a major crash and now he's speeding off." Someone else yells in panic: "Get away from the windshield." "We're going to die, we're actually going to die, what's he doing?", says the concerned boy filming. "Oh my god, oh my god, we're actually going to die," he repeats, his voice growing more shaky. Terrified screams pierce through the air as the camera falls and the large vehicle loses control. The video cuts off as the bus ploughs into the River Itchen, on Bishopstoke Road, near Eastleigh. It comes as the driver earlier blamed faulty brakes and a "jammed accelerator". Three passengers were rushed to hospital while fourteen were treated for minor injuries. Pictures from the scene also showed the large blue bus sitting upright in the shallow river with broken railings left behind. Elsewhere, the moment a speeding driver leaves a woman for dead in a crushed car to pick up his scattered £20 notes was caught on camera. Ty Kelsall smashed into the victim, who is aged in her 50s, as she drove along a quiet street in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. 2
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Shoppers warned of ‘substantial' shortages of staple summer drink on supermarket shelves from today
SHOPPERS have been warned there will be "substantial" shortages of a classic summer drink from TODAY. Brits were devastated to learn they could find empty wine shelves in supermarkets up and down the country. 1 Bottles have disappeared rapidly after a popular wine supplier announced its workers are going on strike. Staff at Encirc, a Bristol based warehouse that holds 18 of the most drank wine brands in the UK, kicked off the 16-day walk out today. Around 2000 employees at the site, in Avonmouth, revealed they will carry out the industrial action from June 19 to July 5. Unit members are going on strike over a pay dispute, as reported by the Express, after already being offered a 3.2 per cent wage increase. A union spokesperson claimed workers are not paid properly despite the "very profitable company" Encirc turning over £600million. It will see key figures in bottling, packaging and distribution, walk out on different dates - as well as a 12 week overtime ban. Experts have claimed the strike could see a "significant" shortage of wines at UK supermarkets. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Encirc's meanness to its workers is all about greed and not need. "This is a very lucrative company that can fully afford to pay its workers properly but it is choosing not to. "Unite will not stand idly by and allow Encric to steal our members hard won rights. Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert - a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel "Encirc workers deserve better and they have Unite's full support throughout this dispute." Unite regional officer John Sweeney added: "There is no doubt that this action will hit supermarket shelves. "While shortages may be frustrating for customers looking to enjoy a bottle of wine this summer, the situation is entirely of Encirc's own making. "Management has constantly refused to engage meaningfully. Encirc needs to return to the negotiating table with a vastly improved offer." Encirc said it is 'open to dialogue with the union in good faith.' This comes as beer fans are going bananas over this summer beverage accessory that has been branded a "great product." The product is currently on sale for nearly half the price and can arrive at your home in time for the weekend. And, Sun reporter Helen Nicklin has tested a range of supermarket summer cocktails in a can. The winner was a Pimm's mix - which was £10 cheaper than the new Aperol Spritz. Shoppers can now pick up the 200ml bottles in packs of four at specific supermarkets – taking all the hassle out of cocktail making. And it is not the only big-name tipple that has been canned for your convenience. Here, drinks expert Helena sips and scores a selection of pre-mixed cocktails. Plus, Morrisons shoppers have raised a glass this week as the industry giant rolls out brand-new cocktails for just £1.50 per drink – and they're perfect for summer BBQs. The budget-friendly booze is part of an exclusive tie-up with premium cocktail brand The Drinks Bureau, bringing a taste of the bar straight to your garden party. Available now in over 280 Morrisons stores across the UK, the 1.5-litre cocktail boxes are priced at £15 each – or just £12 with a More Card. That works out at as little as £1.20 per serving, offering premium drinks at pocket-friendly prices. Each box contains ten ready-to-drink servings and includes a tap-style spout for easy pouring, making it an ideal option for hassle-free entertaining. It's also the first time shoppers can get premium 'on tap' cocktails from a UK supermarket – a format that's proven popular in bars and pubs. How to save money buying alcohol Alcohol can be pricey if you're planning a party or hosting an event but there are ways to cut costs. It's always important to drink responsibly, here, Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements share some tips on getting booze for the best price. Stocking up can mean big savings on drinks, especially if you want to buy wine or fizz. The big supermarkets regularly offer discounts of 25% when you buy six or more bottles of wine. The promotions typically run in the lead up to occasions such as Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter. If you know you are going to need booze later in the year, it can be worth acting when you see offers. Before buying your preferred drink make sure you shop around to find the best price – you can use a comparison site such as or Don't forget that loyalty cards can unlock better savings so make sure you factor that in too. If you like your plonk, wine clubs can also be a good way to save money and try new varieties. You'll usually have to pay a membership fee in return for cheaper price so work out if you will be buying enough to make the one off cost worthwhile.
