LIVELast updated 13th August 2026

M4 reopens after police incident closes part of motorway near Cardiff - live updates

The road was closed between two main junctions at Cardiff on Thursday afternoon

Heavy traffic on the M4 near Cardiff

A busy part of the M4 near Cardiff was closed on Thursday afternoon as police responded to reports of a man walking down the motorway. Officers detained the individual but said no arrests have been made.

The carriageway was shut in both directions from junction 33 Capel Llanilltern to junction 32 Coryton, from around 1.45pm until 2.15pm.

A spokesperson from South Wales Police said: "Just after 1pm today (August 13) South Wales Police responded to reports of a man walking down the M4 between junctions 32 and 33.

"The road was subsequently closed while officers detained the individual. No arrests have been made."

Traffic Wales, which monitors the roads in Wales, said: "The road is currently closed in both directions due to a police incident."

Adding: "Allow extra time for your journey."

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M4 now clear

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13th Aug15:39 BST

Motorway was closed due to man walking down M4

Police have confirmed the M4 was closed in both directions following reports of a man walking down the M4.

A spokesperson from South Wales Police said:

Just after 1pm today (August 13) South Wales Police responded to reports of a man walking down the M4 between junctions 32 and 33. The road was subsequently closed while officers detained the individual. No arrests have been made.

Bryana Francis

13th Aug14:40 BST

M4 back to normal

Traffic on the M4 has now returned to normal in both directions after the motorway was closed due to a police incident.

South Wales Police are yet to clarify the nature of the incident but have been approached for comment.

Bryana Francis

13th Aug14:20 BST

Traffic moving but queues remain

The M4 has now fully reopened in both directions following a police incident on the motorway near Cardiff.

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Although the incident has been cleared there is still a build-up of traffic due to the road being closed for around half an hour.

Bryana Francis

13th Aug14:15 BST

M4 now clear

Traffic Wales has now confirmed that the M4 is clear between Capel Llanilltern and Coryton.

Bryana Francis

13th Aug14:07 BST

Lengthy queues building

Traffic is building up in both directions on the M4 as police deal with an incident which has closed the motorway.

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Traffic at junction 32 eastbound(Image: Traffic Wales)

The road is closed between junction 33 and junction 32.

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Juction 33 westbound(Image: Traffic Wales)

Bryana Francis

13th Aug14:02 BST

Confirmation M4 closed

Traffiic monitoring system Inrix has confirmed that the road is closed in both directions between J33 A4232 (Cardiff West And Services) and J32 A470 Northern Avenue (Coryton Interchange).

Bryana Francis

13th Aug13:58 BST

Statement from Traffic Wales

This is the statement from Traffic Wales; "M4 J33 Capel Llanilltern to J32 Coryton, in both directions.

"The road is currently closed in both directions due to a police incident.

"Allow extra time for your journey."

Bryana Francis

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