Entire section without lights - risk to life

Subject: Urgent Concern Regarding Street Lighting on the M53

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my serious concern regarding the decision to turn off the street lighting along the M53 motorway. While I fully support the need to cut emissions and reduce energy consumption to protect our planet, this should not come at the expense of human life.

On a recent journey along the M53, I noticed that the street lights were completely turned off. This created an extremely hazardous situation, particularly in challenging weather conditions where visibility was already reduced. Driving on an unlit motorway increases the risk of accidents due to reduced visibility, particularly when navigating junctions or encountering unexpected obstacles. This is especially true during poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog, when road markings are less visible, and reaction times are critical.

While I understand that environmental sustainability is a priority, the safety of road users must remain paramount. I would like a full explanation of how the risk assessment was conducted for this decision. How has the safety of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians been evaluated against the perceived environmental benefits of turning off these lights?

I urge you to reconsider this approach and ensure that lighting is restored on critical sections of the motorway to prevent unnecessary accidents and potential loss of life. Sustainable solutions should enhance safety, not diminish it.

I would appreciate a detailed response to my concerns and an outline of the measures in place to monitor and mitigate the risks associated with unlit motorways.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.