THE lights on the M65 motorway could be switched off at night in a controversial money-saving measure.
The proposal to keep only the lights on at junctions and sliproads will be suggested at the next Lancashire Local Hyndburn meeting on 24 November as one of the many proposed cost-cutting plans.
If approved, the blackout would save £65,000 a year and county council bosses say it will reduce carbon emissions by 300 tonnes.
However, the proposal has been slammed by Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe.
He said: "I think it’s a retrograde step. I’m surprised that it’s even being considered.
"The lights were put there to improve safety. We are putting lives in jeopardy to save money and that cannot be right.
"I’m sure there are some lights that don’t need to be on all night but we need to look at it more logically rather than taking this draconian step.
"When there’s an accident and someone is killed, I wouldn’t like to be the one who implemented it."
The M65 is the only motorway in the country that still falls under the responsibility of a council.
All the others are maintained by the Highways Agency.
Other controversial suggestions, which will be put out to consultation until February, include reducing the severe winter maintenance budget by £40,000 and decreasing the number of street lighting night inspections, saving £100,000.
A Lancashire County spokesman said: "The county council is only responsible for a part of the M65 and there are already stretches of the road that are not lit.
"In fact this is the case throughout the north west and the UK.
"Each year the county council has to look at its budget for the coming year and, particularly when finances are very tight for people we have to consider all options for saving money when we look at setting the council tax level.
"Regardless of what is eventually decided, it is important that people know that slip roads would not be affected by any switch-off."
