West Lothian Council will formally object to the new £2billion Forth Crossing due to congestion concerns in the small village of Newton.

The council, along with the Edinburgh and Fife local authorities, fears large increases of traffic in their towns and villages close to the site.

Executive councillor for transport, Martyn Day, said: "The council executive approved the submission of an objection to the Forth Crossing Parliamentary Bill to protect the community of Newton against the predicted increase of traffic resulting from the construction of the planned bridge and its surrounding road infrastructure.

"We are supportive of the need for the new bridge and we support the government in its decision to advance the project and recognise the overall benefits it will bring. However, we also have a duty to protect the interests of our communities which will be adversely effected by the construction of the new bridge.

"We will continue to work with Newton Community Council over the coming weeks to support them during the parliamentary process.

"We will also work with City of Edinburgh Council, Fife and SEStran to make the case for improved associated public transport."

Bosses at Fife Council have also discussed the travel plans at committee level and are seeking assurances on the construction of new bus/rail-based park and ride facilities.

Local transport body SEStran is now set to seek legal advice on behalf of the councils after claims that Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson failed to listen to traffic flow concerns.

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: "We note that this report is seeking authority to make representations to parliament."