Stray horses have disrupted Monday morning rush hour on the M4 motorway in Gloucestershire, leading to full closures and significant backups.
Full Closure Between Key Junctions
Both directions of the M4 stand closed between Junction 20 for the M5 at Almondsbury and Junction 19 at Stoke Gifford due to horses loose on the carriageway. Traffic officers and police have arrived at the scene to manage the situation.
A National Highways spokesperson stated: “The M4 in Gloucestershire has closed both ways between J20 M5 Almondsbury and J19 Stoke Gifford due to animals on the carriageway. Drivers are currently facing delays of around 30 minutes in both directions approaching the closure. Please allow extra travel time.”
Massive Traffic Buildup
Traffic cameras reveal extensive queues stretching for miles in both directions, with vehicles at a complete standstill. Motorists report severe congestion as authorities work to secure the escaped horses, believed to have broken free from a nearby paddock.
Confirmed Culprits and Response Efforts
Traffic monitoring data confirms the animals as a pair of horses, blocking the route between J19 for the M32 near Bristol and J20 at the Almondsbury Interchange. Emergency services continue efforts to corral the animals and restore normal traffic flow amid peak-hour chaos.
