I bet you don't realise how bad it's got here even since you left. A satnav 3 hour journey took me 5 1/2 hours today, all motorways north and west are rammed all day every day, nose to tail 1st and 2nd gear.
These days it is all about planning and even then it can go wrong. The motorways are awful nowadays. The M56 through Cheshire is another example. Best time to do the M5 in Devon is at night or on a week day mid morning I reckon but then I'd say avoid at all costs in August. I'm afraid the beautiful south west is spoilt by tourists for me in August. I prefer to go early in September
Still bad just came up the m5 Bridgwater to Gloucester sat at wsm for an hour due to an accident. Mind you you have to spare a thought for the ones involved. An accident is bad at anytime but having cars still fly past you on the motorway.
