A borough's deputy leader has urged highway bosses to consider cutting the speed limit on parts of the M65 at night as part of a safety review.

Hyndburn Council's Cllr Noordad Aziz made the call as the authority's Full Council unanimously passed a motion on the issue on Thursday night.

He had proposed the safety audit of the motorway's accident record with a view to improving its precautions to prevent any repeat of the recent spate of deaths and injuries.

The motion, seconded by Rishton's Cllr Kate Walsh, said: "This council resolves to write to National Highways and Lancashire County Council to request an urgent review of the general safety of the M65 motorway.

Cllr Noordad Aziz made the callCllr Noordad Aziz made the call

"Given the frequency of recent accidents, this review should aim to enhance overall road safety, reduce accident risks, and ensure the well-being of all road users."

Recent incidents on the M65 include:

  • one fatality and five severe injuries after a three-car crash at junction nine;
  • the death of a horse and four people being injured after a crash between junction eight and junction 10;
  • the death of a 32-year-old woman in an accident in May between junctions two and three near Preston;
  • a crash on the westbound carriageway between junction three and junction two;
  • and the closure of the motorway between junction four for Blackburn and five for Guide following a crash.

Cllr Aziz told the meeting: "This is an issue that affects not just the Hyndburn community but anyone who travels the M65.

"The motorway, stretching from the M6 all the way through to Junction 14 Boundary Mill, has become the essential route for our residents going about their daily lives but it's a route that has seen too many tragic accidents, especially at night and in poor weather conditions.

"One local resident recently wrote to us asking that we voice their concerns.

"They expressed disappointment at the removal of the only two lit sections of the motorway.

"As they pointed out, the M65 has now become entirely dark from Boundary Mill to the M6 creating a pitch-black stretch that's both challenging and dangerous to navigate.

"They also raised concerns over poor cat's eyes, dim road signage and the removal of lighting at junctions.

"I think many would agree with their suggestion that how can the speed limit remain the same at night with no lights as it does on a bright clear day?

"Shouldn't we consider a 60mph limit at night, particularly on dark stretches?

"In light of these issues, we're calling on National Highways and Lancashire County Council to conduct a full review to assess what additional measures such as better lighting and enhanced cat's eyes might make the route safer.

"We believe this work is not only necessary for public safety but could also help improve travel times and reduce congestion caused by frequent accidents."

Cllr Aziz's motionwas backed by the authority's Conservative opposition group leader Cllr Zak Khan who said: "One fatality on this road is one too many.

"We can never eliminate the risk but we can reduce it."