Drivers warned of wide vehicle straddling motorway

Drivers planning on using the M6 have been urged to plan ahead

Motorists have been warned to plan ahead as a six-metre-wide electricity transformer is likely to cause disruption as it moves slowly along the M6 on Saturday.

The transformer, which weighs 450 tonnes, will be making its way north through Lancashire and Cumbria over a period of 12 hours.

National Highways said the vehicle will begin its journey at about 09:00 BST in Heysham, Lancashire, before traveling to an SP Energy Networks site at Longtown, Cumbria.

It said the transformer was helping the "transition to greener energy by supporting wind power generation".

The load, which will be moving at around 12mph (19km/h), will straddle two lanes of the carriageway.

'Be patient'

Drivers are being urged to exercise extra patience and care when overtaking in lane three of the motorway.

National Highways said it had been liaising with police and other authorities to keep any disruption to a minimum.

Highways officers said drivers may be stopped temporarily at locations around Junction 45 when the load is leaving the motorway.