A BROKEN-DOWN coach caused significant delays on the M5 this afternoon, with one driver describing the road as “chock-a-block”.

One lane was closed on the northbound carriageway between junction 20 (Clevedon) and junction 19 (Portishead) while the road was cleared.

At 12.53pm, a National Highways spokesperson said: “One lane (of three) is closed on the M5 north between J20 and J19. This is due to a broken-down coach.

“National Highways traffic officers are on scene and a replacement coach has just arrived. Please allow extra journey time. There are over 45 minute delays.”

One passenger wrote on Facebook: “The M5 is chock-a-block northbound. 

“Not sure where it starts, but it certainly isn’t moving very fast at junction 21 right through to Avonmouth.”

Another described the carriageway as being at a “standstill”.

In an update at 1.02pm, the National Highways spokesperson said: “All lanes are now open on the M5 north between J20 and J19.

“Expect residual delays as traffic flows returns to normal. Thank you for your patience.”