A SLOW and wide ‘abnormal load’ will be escorted through Wiltshire on Saturday by police.

An excavator is due to be escorted by Wiltshire Police from 8am when it will be travelling from the A303, just prior to Mere.

The load is heading eastbound to the A36 and on to the A361 to Whatley Quarry in the Mendips, Somerset, where it is expected to arrive between 11am and 11.30am.

The excavator and its load will measure 4.3 metres wide, 4.5 metres high with an overall length of 26 metres and gross weight of 105 tonnes.

A police spokesman said: "Due to the size of this excavator, it will be slow moving and 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 to catch a flight or meet appointments 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 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."