West Country Driving

Police forces across the South West are working together to stop people using their mobile phones at the wheel.

The increase in law enforcement will run in line a National Police Chief’s Council campaign.

It comes as figures from the Department for Transport showed that in 2016 32 people were killed in road traffic collisions where the driver of the vehicle was using their mobile phone.

Drivers on the M5 northbound between Weston-super-Mare and Bristol are facing long delays as emergency repairs are take place between j20 (Clevedon) and j19 (Portishead).

Three lanes are currently closed, with traffic passing the scene in the remaining lane.

Highways England says traffic is queuing for around six miles.

Police are advising motorists to take a different route or plan.

A survey analysed by professors at the University of the West of England has found that 70% of adults support an introduction of a 20 mile per hour speed limit on busy streets.

Although experts warn the speed limits will only become effective once they are properly enforced.

The main reasons for people supporting a change include road safety and child safety, as well as creating a more pleasant environment to live in.

A man has died following a collision between a motorcycle and a tractor in Cornwall.

Devon and Cornwall Police say they were notified of the incident on the A30 on Saturday.

The collision happened westbound between Scorrier and Redruth and involved a Harley Davidson motorcycle and an agricultural tractor drawing a trailer.

A 62-year-old man from the Redruth area died as a result of the collision.

Devon and Cornwall Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Highways England has released advice for drivers travelling south on the M5 after an incident early this morning.

It says it expects the motorway to reopen "early this evening".

The M5 in Somerset remains closed southbound this afternoon between J19 and J20 following a multi-HGV collision incident.

"Customers should be aware there are two specific diversion routes for traffic, both routes follow the hollow circle diversion symbol.

HGV traffic is advised to exit at J18. Join the A4 eastbound for approximately 5 miles, and then join the A370. Continue on the A370 southbound for approximately 14 miles to then rejoin the M5 at J21.

Non-HGV traffic should leave the M5 at J19 and join the A639 eastbound for approximately 5 miles until the roundabout with the A370. Take the A370 southbound for approximately 14 miles, and then rejoin the M5 at J21.

Please allow extra time for your journey should you be travelling in the area."

Emergency services say the M5 remains closed southbound between J19 and J20 following an collision this morning between two lorries.

Avon Fire and Rescue says three HGVs were involved in the incident and one of the drivers was rescued by crews using cutting and rescue equipment.

Police are advising motorists to avoid the area and find alternative routes for travelling home from work during the rush hour this afternoon, as the obstruction may not be completely cleared.

The incident happened at around 3am this morning.

Police say one of the lorries involved in the incident is carrying chemicals which must be removed before the obstruction can be cleared.

Officers say it is "difficult to say" when the clearing process will be completed.

A pet lover from Dorset is calling for a change in the law to put a legal obligation on drivers to report hitting a cat.

Gemma Conway from Chickerell near Weymouth has gathered more than 210,000 signatures for a petition in support of her campaign.

Ms Conway's cat Bertie has been missing since April and she fears he may have been hit by a vehicle.

Under current law, motorists must report hitting dogs and farm animals including horses but not cats.

You can find the petition and more information about the campaign here.