Council Leaders Vow to Fight Further M65 Lighting Reductions

Local government officials in Burnley intend to contest proposals for additional lighting removal on a motorway described as “dangerous.” Councillors representing all political affiliations in Burnley have united to call for a safety assessment of the M65, a road where two fatalities and nine serious injuries have occurred during the current year. They have also pressed National Highways and Lancashire County Council to explore the reinstatement of previously removed lighting. Mark Townsend, the Labour leader, asserted that safety considerations should take precedence over financial savings, stating: “People’s lives are at stake.” Addressing a meeting held on Wednesday, Townsend remarked: “I think all of us will have noticed throughout this year the repetitive headlines about accidents and delays on the M65.” He further detailed the year’s incidents, noting: “Overall there have been two fatalities, nine serious injuries and the sad death of a horse on the M65 between Preston and Burnley this year.” Townsend concluded that the extent of the damage was “there for all to see.” Mr. Townsend conveyed that local residents, motorists, and daily commuters would be troubled by news of an “under the radar consultation” aimed at eliminating all remaining M65 lighting along the stretch from Preston to Junction 10, located within Burnley. Liberal Democrat Councillor Gordon Birtwistle additionally commented: “The M65 even when it is not dark is a pretty dangerous road.” The initiative by Burnley councillors comes after a unanimous resolution passed by Hyndburn borough in August, which sought an urgent comprehensive safety audit of the M65, encompassing the possibility of implementing a reduced speed limit of 60mph after nightfall.