Variable speed limits are also being introduced

The Highways Agency tried out the plan for Naish Hill near Bristol last summer but found it had "no significant effect on the level of congestion".

A spokesman said variable speed limits based on traffic monitoring are also being introduced this year.

"If successful, this could be used again over Bank Holidays and summer."

The restrictions will be in place on the southbound carriageway of the M5 between J17 and Naish Hill, south of J19.

Restrictions planned for: Maundy Thursday: 1500 to 2000 Good Friday: 0900 to 1600 Easter Saturday: 0900 to 1600

Drivers will be warned of congestion and variable speed limits - designed to level traffic flow and stop lane changing and tailbacks - via electronic motorway message signs.

Malcolm Wilkinson, Highways Agency area manager, said: "We are introducing a package of measures to try to relieve this congestion by adjusting speed limits to match traffic conditions and to keep slower vehicles in the inside lane.

"The variable speed concept is used successfully on parts of the M25."

A fourth lane is due to be added to the M5 at Naish Hill, with work scheduled to end next summer.

In January, Mr Wilkinson, said: "We found that last summer's trial had no significant effect on the level or duration of the congestion.