WILTSHIRE Police are asking drivers to be aware of a slow moving and wide ‘abnormal load’ that will be escorted through the county today (Friday, 10 August).

The load is due to be escorted by officers from 2pm, entering across the border with Hampshire to Whatley Quarry near Frome along the following pre-determined route.

It will take them along the A303 Westbound from Hampshire to the A36 at Deptford, then to the A36 North via Knook and the Warminster by-pass to the A361 at Beckington, and then the A361 around Frome to Whatley Quarry.

The load will measure 4.4 metres wide by 4.85 metres high by 22.75 metres long and weigh 95 tonnes.

It is made up of a quarry vehicle and will be moved by Smiths Mechanical Services from Mid Glamorgan.

A Police spokesman said: "Due to its width, it will take up around one and a half lanes of a standard road.

"As a result, it will be both slow moving and have the potential to create congestion in places where oncoming traffic will be required to pull in and wait for the load to pass.

"Wherever possible, disruption will be kept to a minimum although both hauliers and motorists are asked to please be patient should they come across this load.

"Anyone travelling over this period on time critical matters should allow sufficient additional time."

Regular updates and travel information in respect of this abnormal load will be passed from the Control Room at Devizes Police HQ where appropriate to help motorists plan their journey.

Police escorting resources are being provided by volunteer officers paid for by the haulier at no cost to the public.