Two heavyweight transporters carrying Boeing 747 aircraft fuselages are likely to create mayhem for motorists near Malmesbury on Saturday, when they travel with a police escort from Cotswold Airport.

Each transporter and its load will measure 6.55 metres (22ft) wide and 4.95 metres (16ft 3ins) high, with an overall length of 41.66 metres (137ft) and a gross weight of 60 tonnes.

The abnormal loads, conveyed in convoy from the airport at Kemble to Hereford, will be on the road from 7am.

They will leave the airport on the A429 before travelling south on the A419 to arrive at M4 Junction 15 and continue westbound on the motorway.

Wiltshire Police says that, due to the size of the transporters, the convoy will be travelling very slowly and have the “the potential to create congestion.”

A police spokesman said: “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.

“Please be aware that, once on the A419, these loads will be slow moving and take up the entire southbound carriageways.”

Regular updates and travel information in respect of the abnormal load will be passed from the force’s Devizes control room, when appropriate, to help motorists plan their journeys.

The expected misery for motorists will not, however, be over after Saturday. Two more Boeing fuselages will be transported from the airport the following week, on Saturday, February 21.

Wiltshire Police stressed that escorting resources were being provided by volunteer officers on rest days, paid for by the haulier and at no cost to the public.

The transportation task is being carried out by KWS Cook Transport, of Horton in Dorset.