streetlight

A study from UK breakdown service AA found that the total number of accidents on unlit roads continue to rise, showing no indication of it falling below the 7% reached in 2012.

The research found that the risk of accident increased to 8.3%, where there was rain, snow or ice on the road, while the risk is higher on the 40mph or faster roads in built-up areas.

The report noted that the increase in dark roads is posing danger to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

"This winter, however, discontent with streetlight blackouts threatens a backlash in next year’s elections."

Accidents are expected to take place on blacked-out town and city roads, specifically 40mph zones in bad weather leading to growing discontent.

As cited by the AA, government figures highlight that over the past five years, general improvements in road safety has seen accidents in darkness on built-up roads.

The street lighting on built-up roads declines by nearly a fifth overall, and by a quarter in the wet, snow and ice.

The reduction was just 12% overall and 16.7% in bad weather, where streetlights were either off or unavailable, while the situation was worse on faster roads.

Night-time accidents on street-lit 40mph sections since 2008 are said to have declined 24.1% overall and by nearly 30.4% in wet, snow or icy conditions.

On both counts where streetlights were off or not present, accidents are down by only 10.4%.

The AA report said: "Accident rates on unlit town and city roads continue to get worse. This winter, however, discontent with streetlight blackouts threatens a backlash in next year’s elections."

Photo: A study from UK breakdown service AA found that the total number of accidents on unlit roads continue to rise. Image: courtesy of the AA.