M5 (Seven)

held an Inquest into 7 deaths that occurred on the M5 motorway near Taunton on the Ath November 2011 when 34 vehicles entered a thick bank of fog although the possibility of its intensity being increased by chemical particulates nearby firework display could not be excluded.

The deceased were all travelling either as drivers or passengers in northbound vehicles on the M5 motorway near junction 25 when 34 vehicles collided in an area of greatly reduced visibility. As well as the 7 deaths, 51 other people were injured some seriously Immediately before the incident a firework display had been launched on a site adjoining the motorway: from

Ata further meeting held on the 70 June 2014 in an attempt to identiry solutions to the problems, the Highway Agency stated would place subject to funding, motorway incident Detection Automatic Signalling (MIDAS) between Junction 23 and 25, to detect a reduction of speed in vehicles approaching the scene and signal the safe speed to proceed on display signs

SA" Iam concerned that the Highway Agency's proposals whilst possibly preventing further vehicles entering an accident scene or a large area of reduced visibility would not prevent the initial incident and that this can only be achieved by the erection of fog detection devises and greater use of overhead gantries displaying signs warning of events that may cause reduced visibility: AND as the criterion for deploying road safety equipment is six personal injury collisions in three years the present incident would not qualify for special consideration: SB" To consider whether or not risks arising from firework displays being held they in periods of very high humidity can be greatly reduced if the City and Guild's courses for Firers and Senior Firers (being the only persons able to conduct a firework display using class IV fireworks) had instruction in realising when such risks arose_ AND before operating any display Firers had prepared a risk assessment which took account of the topography of the area; nearby watercourses, prevailing wind conditions, identifying highways and all other matters relevant for the safety of the users thereof onlookers and nearby residents_ Assessed the humidity, wind direction and speed immediately before the display , Positioned lookouts to see if any smoke or fog was approaching a highway or railway line in the immediate vicinity: (iv) Had immediate access to communication link to the emergency services and Be able to stop the display immediately if an emergency arises AND to consider whether Firers and Senior Firers should be licensed by law for periods of five year

AND Whether Local Licensing Authorities shall advise persons holding firework displays of the risks referred to herein