Bad news for all you speed devils on the road, as there will be an increase in major works across the UK. 50 mph hits the M5 this October, and it will last longer than most may think. If you even think of speeding, be warned of the £1,000 fines sparking fear right before Halloween. Find out which junctions will be affected when. That way, you can ensure compliance with the new speed limit of 50 mph. Remember to be vigilant, as someone else’s life may be at stake, not just yours!
An increase in major works across the UK
The UK has seen several roadworks in 2025, and it may only be the beginning. National Highways had several projects underway at the start of the 2025/2026 period, but it seems there will be a shift in focus. There will be less focus on constructing new “smart motorways” and rather an increased focus on investing in major works on existing networks, such as:
- Renewing
- Maintaining
- Operating
This shift in focus has one primary goal: To enhance safety and capacity for road users. This will be a welcome change, as both road safety and capacity have been ongoing problems. For the remainder of 2025, an increase in roadworks in the UK is certain. As a result, drivers should be on the lookout for new speed limits, especially as 50 mph hits the M5 this October.
50 mph hits the M5 this October
First, we had to say goodbye to fast lanes in Britain’s second city. Now, a crucial motorway in Devon and Somerset will be implementing a new speed limit of 50 mph due to multiple sets of roadworks planned along it. Three narrow lanes in both directions near junction 26 for Wellington will see the lower speed limit set in place for the majority of the second set of works from Monday, 26 October 2025.
These works are set to last until Thursday, 19 February 2026, and the following works will be taking place:
- De-silting ditches
- Renewal of gulleys
- Resurfacing of roads
- Replacing blocked fittings and drainage systems
- Updating road markings
- Survey and proofing by camera
The National Highways’ entire scheme will until all flooding problems have been resolved and safety for drivers on the M5 in Somerset has been improved. If you are a speed devil, beware of the fines sparking fear right before Halloween.
£1,000 fines spark fear right before Halloween
The entire scheme is worth £5.9 million. Anyone who is caught speeding on the designated roadwork areas along the M5 will have to face a hefty fine of £1,000. According to a report by The Sun, drivers on the M5 can expect all of the following areas to be impacted by the works:
- M5 southbound between junctions 28 and 29
- 15 September to 7 November
- 9 and 10 December
- M5 southbound between junctions 25 and J27
- 20 and 21 October
- 1 and 2 November
- Speed limit of 50 mph from 2 November to 11 February
- 8 and 9 November
- 6 and 7 December 2025
- 13 and 14 December
- 20 December
- 2 January
- 11 and 14 February
- 22 to 24 February
- M5 northbound between junctions 27 and 25
- 22 to 24 October
- 27 to 30 October
- Speed limit of 50 mph from 28 October to 19 February
- 1 to 5 December
- 19 to 22 February
- 25 to 27 February
- M5 north and southbound between junctions 27 and 25
- 25 and 26 October
- M5 junction 29 entry and exit slips
- 11 to 12 November
- M5 junction 29 entry slip and junction 30 exit slip roads
- 13 to 26 November
- M5 junction 30 entry slip
- 27 November
- M5 southbound between junctions 29 and 30
- 28 November to 8 December
- 11 and 12 December
The M5 near junction 26 for Wellington and Somerset is not the only area with major works. 13,000 drivers were caught in one day due to speeding through the A417 Missing Link roadworks in Gloucestershire County. Tickets are thus being issued all over the UK, which seems excessive, considering that drivers must realise by now that speed limits are lower during major works, not only for their safety, but also for the safety of the construction workers. Please drive vigilantly!
