Energy bosses must do more to protect neighbouring communities against expected increases in traffic should a new nuclear power station get permission on the Suffolk coast, the county's transport chief has claimed.

Guy McGregor recently met with people in Yoxford, Middleton, Theberton and Eastbridge to discuss concerns surrounding Sizewell C and the B1122. Villagers feel the current road – which is likely to be the main route for construction traffic to any new power station – is not fit for purpose. They believe the B1122 as it stands is unsuitable for the expected increase in HGV and worker movements, while there are also fears that emergency vehicles may struggle to get through.

Mr McGregor said while a bypass for the A12 remained a priority it was vital that other needs were not ignored.

The cabinet member for roads, planning and transport at the county council also reiterated the authority's support for the Sizewell C project – but stressed that communities must be listened to.

'Given the way EDF has failed again and again to listen to the views of people in Suffolk's rural communities, the least I could do as the transport spokesman for the county council was to meet with and listen to the beleaguered villages of Yoxford, Middleton, Theberton and Eastbridge,' he said. 'I fully understand their case and I will be pressing EDF hard to come up with traffic management proposals that are a lot more comprehensive than they have managed to date.'

EDF has said it aims to bring most construction materials in via sea or rail. A spokeswoman said during 11 weeks of consultation they spoke to more than 4,000 people and held almost 100 events. She said they recognised the potential for impacts arising from extra traffic on the B1122 and were currently looking carefully at all consultation responses.

'The Sizewell C team continue to meet with local groups to ensure we fully understand any issues they may have, for example we recently met with the Suffolk Association of Local Councils, which included representatives from communities along the B1122,' she added.