Solar Power: Roads
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the (a) construction and (b) operational phases of solar parks on (i) traffic and (ii) communities whose main transport routes are single track highways .
Answered by Michael Shanks
There are established routes in the planning system, such as the National Policy Statements, which consider the transportation impacts of solar projects throughout their construction and operation.
The main traffic impacts are likely to be during construction, however, solar farms are generally comprised of small structures, transported in smaller vehicles before being constructed on-site. Once operational, traffic movements are usually very light, mainly for site maintenance.
Developers are also required to consider the suitability of access routes as part of their application. They may need to modify existing or construct new roads where current infrastructure is unsuitable.
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