Plans for a new lorry park in Kent have been drawn up by one of the UK's biggest providers of motorway services who hope that the project could help reduce overcrowding at lorry services in the region.

Moto Hospitality motorway service operators revealed their plans for a new service station on the M26 in Kent at junction 2A of the motorway on Wednesday (July 15).

Stuart Rose, Moto’s Acquisitions Manager, lauded the company plans as "imporant" and urged participation in the consultation process.

"These proposals will provide a much needed rest stop for HGV’s on what is a busy stretch of motorway and help to alleviate the issues experienced by local residents as a result of the current lack of facilities," he said.

"In addition to providing an important piece of infrastructure to an area where the county council have already identified a need, the plans will bring new jobs and secure £18 million investment in the local economy.

"We are delighted to consult with residents in the surrounding area and look forward to hearing their thoughts on the plans," Rose added.

The plans were published by the company as they announced they were now running a public consultation on the proposals.

The problem of overcrowding at lorry parks is increasingly becoming a pertinent issue in Kent.

Unite the union were recently said its drivers were reporting that lorry parks and services in the county had become "chronically overcrowded," with drivers being forced to park overnight on double yellow lines, slip roads and petrol garage forecourts.

Kent County Council are meanwhile consulting on whether to extend its powers to restrict HGV’s from parking on roads and laybys.

The public consultation on Moto Hospitality's plan runs through August 13. Click here for more information.