environmental statement - Rotherham's Online Application for ...

11.80 No evidence could be found of road traffic accidents on the strategic
highway network which have been attributed to driver distraction caused
by wind turbine flicker and as such flicker is not perceived to be an issue to
the scheme. Previous considerations of visual disturbance and flicker
have focussed on the impact for housing rather than moving vehicles. The
potential effects of shadow flicker from the wind turbines in general are
discussed later in this ES at Section 15.
Network Stress
11.81 The Highways Agency assesses stress on the SRN by comparing existing
traffic flow with the theoretical capacity of the links and junctions. In cases
where traffic levels exceed capacity, queuing can occur. Stress levels are
displayed as a percentage of theoretical capacity, with four levels used:
0% to 75%;
75% to 90%;
90% to 100%; and
100% and above.
11.82 The traffic flow information shows links are currently predominantly
operating below theoretical capacity (100%) and in many instances
significantly less so, with the majority of stress levels recorded between
30% and 90%. In general, the network under observation is at an average
of 73.2% of operating capacity.
11.83 The existing traffic conditions show that the links that are most stressed on
the network are both directions between Junctions 33 and 32 and these
have just over 100% network stress. The link from M1 J32 – J33 is less
relevant and can be excluded as drivers at that point will be moving away
from the wind farm site and the turbines will be behind them and
subsequently out of view. The reverse link from the M1 J33 to J32 has a
stress of 102% up to and including the diverge onto the M18. As drivers
have visibility of the wind turbines for 1.5km up to an 800m long cutting
and for up to 1.6km after the 800m stretch of motorway it is believed that
there will not be risk of distraction to drivers using this section of the
motorway.
11.84 As a result of the above it is concluded that any driver distraction as a
result of the proposed wind turbines would have a negligible (and therefore
not significant) effect on the safety of the SRN within the study area.
DECOMMISSIONING EFFECTS
11.85 Prior to decommissioning, a further traffic assessment will be carried out
and transport management procedures agreed with the appropriate
authorities. The levels of traffic associated with decommissioning are
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement