POLICE are warning motorists to be aware of abnormal loads that will be passing through the area this week.

At approximately 11am tomorrow, Wednesday 2 July, three specialist load transporters carrying dump trucks will be escorted by Wiltshire Police from Whatley Quarry near Frome to the Parkhouse roundabout off the A303. The transporter will then continue its planned route into Hampshire and past Andover on the A303 and then the A34 before later joining the M4 where it will re-enter Wiltshire.

The same transporters carrying similar loads will then make an identical trip 24 hours later on Thursday 3rd July, also starting at approximately 11am.

The transporters and their loads will measure 18ft 10ins wide, 16ft 4ins high with an overall length of 76ft (23m) and gross weight of 117 metric tons.

Routes that are likely to be affected by the transportation are the eastbound stretches of the A361, A36, A350 and A303. The transporter will also be travelling on the A34 and M4 later in the afternoon.

Due to the size of the transporters, they will be slow moving and will have the potential to create congestion. Wherever possible, disruption will be kept to a minimum but hauliers and motorists are asked to please be patient if they come across this load.

Anyone travelling over this period should allow sufficient additional time, warn police.

Regular updates and travel information in respect of the abnormal loads will be passed from Wiltshire Constabulary's control room at Devizes when appropriate to help motorists plan their journey.

Police escorting resources are being provided by volunteer police officers on rest days, paid for by the haulier at no cost to the public.