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Avon and Somerset Police has warned that motorists protesting about high fuel prices have set up slow moving convoys of traffic on major roads in its region.

The police service reported that at about 8.45am this morning a small number of vehicles had set off along the A38 north from M5 junction 24.

It added: “We understand they are travelling slowly to the Shell petrol station near Bridgwater’s Express Park to conduct a protest at the forecourt.”

A second group headed north on the M5 to junction 18 at Avonmouth, then rejoined the motorway southbound and travelled towards junction 25 at Taunton.

The previous day Avon and Somerset Police has warned that the M4 and M32 could also be affected by the protests, but it reported that this was no longer expected to happen.

Superintendent Tony Blatchford said: “Our protest liaison team has been engaging with the organiser so we can inform the public of the likely disruption and help to minimise it.

“Nevertheless, drivers can expect journey times will likely be longer than normal, especially on motorways, which often tend to be at their busiest at this time of year.

“We advise motorists consider any alternative travel plans available and ensure they are suitably prepared in case they are delayed.”