Exact time major motorway used by 130,000 per day will close from TODAY – check full diversion routes

A MAJOR motorway is set to close from today with a handful of diversion routes put in place.

Drivers will be frustrated to discover that the M4 will be hit by multiple closures as a fresh batch of scheduled roadworks come into effect.

Users of the popular route, which runs 189 miles from London to South Wales, terminating at Pont Abraham services in Carmarthenshire, have been warned to expect delays of up to 30 minutes at times over the next two weeks while works are carried out.

National Highways have said that a range of projects are being planned, many of which will see carriageways or lanes closed throughout January - starting from today from 8pm at junction 17.

These include maintenance of road signs, surveys, electrical works, general maintenance, and structural inspections.

Thankfully, most of these will take place overnight to avoid too much disruption to motorists.

However, delays can be expected between Chippenham and Swindon and Chippenham and Bath.

According to data from Highways England, the M4 - which first opened in stages over several years, with the first section opening in 1959 - carries over 130,000 vehicles every day.

This comes as drivers across the country are bracing for a hefty tax hike that's coming in a matter of months.

Vehicle Excise Duty, or VED, is rising in April and will heavily impact motorists who own petrol and diesel vehicles.

Indeed, first-year rates have doubled for buyers of many new models - a measure that will further widen the gap between fully electric and internal-combustion engines.

Van owners are set to be among the most affected by the new VED rates based on emissions.

Tom Banks of Go Compare, however, suggested there are some methods road users can employ to lessen the financial strain by April.

Firstly, perhaps the most straightforward way is simply by switching to a cleaner model to save money - although cutting back on costs elsewhere is another way around the price hikes.

Tom said: “If you can’t buy a suitable hybrid or electric van, you could opt for a ‘nearly new’ one instead.

“This allows you to enjoy a vehicle that’s virtually as good as new without breaking the bank and means you can dodge the increased tax.

“Failing this, see if there are any other ways you can reduce your motoring expenses to counteract the higher tax.

“Comparing van insurance policies might help you find a provider offering the same amount of protection for less, and finding new ways to maximise your fuel economy could help to cut costs further.”

Elsewhere, a hugely popular brand has slashed the price of two models by thousands after a drop in sales last year.

The Fiat 600e Crossover and its Abarth 500e Hot Hatch stablemate are now going for a bargain price.