The lights are being turned off on more and more motorways in a bid to cut carbon emissions, the Government has revealed.
The full extent of the blackout was revealed following a Freedom of Information request made by the AA.
More than 121 miles of motorway have been plunged into darkness since 2009, as the Highways Agency attempts to lower energy consumption and CO2 emissions across the motorway network.
In total, 62 miles of motorway are subject to a 'midnight switch off', with lights being turned off between 12am and 5am, while 59 miles of motorway have had their lights turned off permanently.
The 59 miles of motorway with permanently switched-off lights includes the M58 between junctions 4 and 6, the M1 between junction 13 and the Northamptonshire border, the M6 between junctions 15 and 16 and the M65 between junctions 10 and 13.
The AA has expressed concern over the move's potential impact on road safety. AA spokesman Paul Watters said: "It smacks of penny pinching more than saving the planet. Given the amount of tax motorists are paying they deserve a better deal."
However, the Highways Agency claims that road safety has not been compromised by the decision.
What are your views? Do you think the move will put motorists in unnecessary danger, or can we do without lit motorways?
Leave your comments below.
