Transport bosses have warned against a new service station on the M25 because of fears surrounding a surge in traffic.

And an MP has added his voice to those opposing Moto Hospitality's plans for a service station near Kings Langley by the M25 J20 roundabout.

Moto submitted a plan for the site on April 5 that would include a range of shops, parking and facilities – as well as an access road off the A41.

But Hertfordshire County Council highways officers advised Three Rivers District Council to reject plans from service station operator Moto.

In a report to the council, the highway authority said the amount of traffic that would be travelling up the A41 would substantial and warned of more collisions as motorists peel off the M25 at junction 20 as the volume of traffic increased.

Moreover, since Moto could not submit any plans that would meet ‘exceptional circumstances’ that would support the proposal, officers recommended it be turned down.

Three Rivers Lib Dem councillor for Gade Valley Alex Michaels said: “This is really good news. Those of us who live locally know just how congested this stretch of the A41 is.

“For several hours every day, the road is at a standstill and this proposal would make it even worse.

“The traffic issues are in addition to all the problem of noise, light and air pollution, together with the unnecessary use of a green belt land.

“This application adds nothing to the local communities in Abbots Langley and Kings Langley but takes so much away.”

There has been opposition around Kings Langley since the scheme was announced.

Families with children at St Paul’s School in Langleybury were worried about potential health and safety problems that might occur.

A total of 705 people have signed a petition to oppose the development which was to be built on Green belt land.

Watford MP Richard Harrington showed his support for St Paul’s School, which lies in his constituency.

He said: “I have been speaking to residents about the proposed motorway station at J20 on the M25, including meeting with parents from St Paul’s Primary School, to try and find out what people think.

“Many of my constituents are rightly concerned about a building development of this size on green belt land, as well as the increase in light, noise and air pollution, especially near a school.

“I am also worried about the extra traffic this would cause on the roads, making it even more congested, and delaying journeys further.

“I, therefore, urge Moto to think again.”

A date for the decision surrounding the proposal has been set for July 26.