A TECHNICAL issue on the M5 has caused confusing speed limit signs 'yards apart.'

Drivers on the M5 near junction 5 (Wychbold) and junction 4a (M42) have been confused about which speed limit sign to follow due to ongoing technical issues.

The overhead gantry signs have been displaying varying speed limits close to each other, which have left drivers doing 40, 50 and 60mph on the same stretch of road.

It was an issue National Highways said only lasted a few minutes, but a day later, drivers were still seeing issues with the signs. 

One driver even said the section of the road was dangerous because commuters had been going at varying speeds and were unsure which speed limit to abide by.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “We are currently experiencing some technical issues with the overhead gantry signs, which we are investigating.

"We hope to resolve the matter shortly, but in the meantime, we appreciate that the issue could cause confusion.

"As speed limits are reduced for people’s safety, we advise drivers to follow the lower speed limit if in doubt.”

National Highways is currently working on installing new emergency areas along this stretch of motorway, and the 50mph signs have been installed to ensure safety during the scheme.

Engineers intended to disable the gantry signals while work is carried out, but a technical glitch has prevented this.

The emergency areas will provide a place to stop in an emergency if drivers cannot exit the motorway or stop at a motorway service area.

Ten new emergency areas will be built on the M5 between junctions 4a and 6 (Worcester), and work will begin this spring.

The work started on Monday, April 22 and is scheduled to be completed by spring 2025.

Woober driver Maz Shakil, 31, had previously contacted Worcester News after noticing a discrepancy in the speeding signs on April 23. 

He said: "This is my usual route in the morning as I go towards Redditch. It was a bit confusing. I was like 'which one do I follow?'

"I don't know if the camera is working or not. But if someone is going at 50mph and someone else is going at 60mph, it could potentially cause a collision."