A SPEED restriction on the M5 northbound has been lifted and traffic has returned to normal following an oil spill earlier today. 

There were delays on the M5 northbound between J17 (Bristol - Cribbs Causeway) and J25 (Taunton) due to an oil spillage and summer holiday traffic. 

The spill stretched for approximately eight miles between junction 26 in Wellington and junction 24 in Huntworth, Bridgwater and all three lanes of the M5 were closed. 

READ MORE: EIGHT MILES of oil spillage causes hours of traffic chaos

The motorway reopened but there were long delays as a 50mph speed restriction was put in place near Taunton.

The restriction has now been lifted.