EDF Energy has proposed a temporary increase in the number of road deliveries made to Hinkley Point C before the completion of the jetty that will allow deliveries by sea.
It wants an increase of up to 250 extra HGV movements a day while work continues on the project’s jetty.
Currently, there is a one day limit of 750 HGV movements on Mondays to Fridays and 375 on Saturdays. No movements are permitted on Sundays or bank holidays and limits also apply on movements at particular times of the day.
The request for an increase has been made to Somerset County Council, West Somerset Council, Sedgemoor District Council, and Highways England. It will be considered later this month.
The jetty will enable 80 per cent of the aggregates needed to build the power station to be brought to the site by sea rather than by road. It is expected to be completed at the end of 2018 and be fully operational in 2019.
EDF Energy is proposing to put £4 million of extra funding into measures to mitigate the extra HGV movements.
This would help maintain roads, contribute to the Somerset County Council’s traffic control centre, and create more walking and cycling routes.
The extra funding could also support construction of the long awaited Colley Lane Southern Access Road, which is due to be decided by Somerset County Council later this month.