MOTORISTS are facing rush-hour chaos this evening as traffic is brought to a standstill by the largest ever convoy to be escorted through Kent.

The procession of 80-tonne trucks, moving at a maximum speed of 15mph, is travelling on key roads during its journey from Dartford to Benenden Hospital.

The abnormal load, which is carrying a new operating theatre for the hospital, has been split into sections that are nearly six metres wide and up to 19 metres long.

Some traffic islands, bollards and roadside barriers along the route have been removed. Police are warning people not to park in Headcorn High Street so as to avoid damage to their cars as the convoy passes by.

A Kent Highways spokesman said: "Motorists should expect delays and avoid the main roads along the route."

Ch Insp Mark Nottage, who is in charge of the policing operation, said: "Because of the convoy's sheer size and weight it can only be moved in daylight."

The lorries, run by Dartford-based freight company Beck and Politzer, are en-route from Holland. Police say the journey is expected to last about four hours.

Route and timetable:

* The convoy set off from the Dart Line Terminal in Dartford at 4.30pm. It will travel along Clipper Boulevard, onto the A206, then the A282 before joining the M25 and moving on to the M20.

* The abnormal load will drive to junction eight of the M20 at Hollingbourne and move off from there at 6pm. The lorry loads will travel down the A20 Ashford Road towards Maidstone before turning into Willington Street and then onto Sutton Road.

* The convoy will then travel through Headcorn and on into Benenden.