Lights out for motorway

LIGHTING on sections of the M1 in Bedfordshire will be permanently switched off and removed, according to the Highways Agency.

This will reduce carbon emissions and light pollution.

A spokesman said: “Following careful assessment, analysis shows that lights can be switched off on stretches of the motorway between junction 10 (Luton) and 13 (Milton Keynes) without affecting road user safety.

“The junctions and their approaches, and a section of the M1 on either side of junction 11, will have lighting columns replaced and remain lit.”

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Highways Agency director Derek Turner said: “We anticipate achieving an annual reduction in carbon emissions on this M1 stretch of about 810 tonnes.

“Local communities will also benefit from reduced light pollution of the night sky.”

The switch off and removal of lighting columns will start on Wednesday (August 17) and will carry on until autumn next year.

The first phase will be between junctions 10 and 11. It will be done at the same time as other works in the central reserve to reduce impact on road users.

Emergency and other services are aware of the plans.

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