Be warned if driving south - the M5 contraflow road works from J1 to between J2 and J3 have started, repairing the waterproof layer on the stilt sections with a 30 mph speed limit in force . As a result the M6 from J8 to J4 will be busier than usual and is lightly to be disrupted.
If driving down to London on the M40 DO NOT take the M5 to get to it. Keep a check on the M6 traffic flow and take the M6 toll road to the M42 if there is a Jam.
You have been warned - oh and it will bugger up the Midlands motorway network for the next TWO years....