I've heard reports that there are a lot of roadworks on the M6 near Birmingham and major hold-ups are expected during the holiday season.
We'll be travelling from North Wales to Devon with our 2 dogs at the end of the month and I'm dreading the thought of mile after mile of stationary traffic, especially if it's a hot day.

Has anyone an idea how bad things are in that area  ?

Make sure that you dont hit that are in rush hour whatever you do, otherwise its not that bad generally in daytime.

Beware the M5 around Bristol area is always congested as well!

Yes, Tim, I've heard about the junction near Bristol where the three motorways converge.  I did think about coming off the M5 onto the M50, then across the Severn Bridge and onto the A403 towards Avonmouth, re-joining the M5 south of Bristol.  Sounds OK when you say it quick, doesn't it ?! 

can't you use the toll road? its bliss :)

Rich B*tch :D :D :D

LOL I drive up and down it...even when i have nowhere to go :D :D :D

Use that stretch of  motorway several times a week, don't go near it unless its 3am in the morning. Toll road is good only £2 so you don't have to be that rich but it is nice to travel at more than 30mph on a motorway isn't it ChloeH.

Went to Troon last week, the journey was the quickest we've ever done. The M6 was fine - one little 5 minute delay but the toll road sorted that out !. It was a Wednesday so that may have helped.

Val.

PS - yesterday hubby received a £60 fine and 3 points for speeding, M6 Tebay services. It was a man on the bridge with one of those hairdryer things. Only doing 81 so nothing too major, but hey, he was in the wrong even though 81 is nothing nowadays. Wish they'd concentrate on people driving without licenses, insurance, tax etc though !!!.
Anyway, just to warn you - watch out !.

I went from Scotland to Paignton last Thursday and returned on Saturday using both the M5 & M6, the journey was horrendous to say the least.  You are only clear of roadworks past Lancaster, northbound.   At times I was stuck in queues stretching back 7 miles.  :(  :(  :(  Not good with a car full of hot dogs!

I would really plan an alternative route that if you need to come off at some point you know where you're going.   I am serioulsy thinking of another way to National Gundog if I hear the motorways are like this again.

The toll road is of no use if you're travelling down the west side of the country unless you like zig zagging?

You're right, LilyMunster, the toll road is of no use to anyone travelling from the north to Devon or Cornwall.
I'm sorry you had such a bad journey on Saturday - this is exactly what I want to avoid.
My other choice is give the M6 a miss and drive down through Wales - we should be able to keep moving at least. Decisions, decisions......

Why is it of no use? If you are going end to end then it brings you out on the M42...can you not then go on the M5 from there? It may be slightly further but even so, its better than sitting on the m6 for 2 hours! :)

From what I understand, Chloe, you would have to go miles out of your way to get back on the M5.

Where are you going from and to?

M6 Tolls going up on Monday :)

M6 tolls actually go up on the 15th August.

From the north to the M5, the toll road takes you many miles out of your way, if I remember. You'd either have to double-back or go all around Birmingham ...

You'd go M6 down to the toll, down the toll to the A38 where you could cut across to the M5 or down to the M42 where you could go join the M5 from there. Seeing as I travel down there at least twice a week I know how where it goes. I can't be bothered to offer any further advice - perhaps the poster should just look at a map.

Fair enough - it's not a route I frequently use! The toll has never been suitable when I've been going M42 - Stafford. There are nightmare roadworks on the M42 between the M40 and the M6, so it's quicker to go around the west of Birmingham.
:)

We came back from Wales yesterday and got caught up in the jam. It lasted about an hour before it cleared.

The roadworks on the M5 are between junctions 5-9, so wherever you come onto the motorway you'll hit them at some point!   

The M6 both north & southbound it hit by roadworks between Lancaster - Brum and vice versa, even the Scottish news has mentioned the congestion for those thinking of travelling!