A second East Lancashire local authority is to debate a call for an urgent review of M65 safety following a spate of crashes.

The leader of Burnley Council's Labour opposition group Cllr Mark Townsend has tabled a motion on the issue to its full meeting on Wednesday, December 4.

It follows a fatal crash in October when 17-year-old Demi-Leigh Davies, from Darwen, died after the car she was a passenger in crashed in the early hours.

His move follows Hyndburn borough's full council meeting unanimously resolving to call on National Highways and Lancashire County Council to request an urgent audit of the general safety of the M65 when it met on August 7.

During the meeting, its deputy leader Cllr Noordad Aziz suggested a reduction of the speed limit from 70mph to 60 mph limit at night on the section across East Lancashire.

Cllr Townsend's motion asked the council to note: 

  • "that in 2023 the M65 was estimated to be handling circa 75.000 journeys per day - an increase of circa 15 per cent since 2013 (source Department for Transport Road Traffic Statistics);
  • "the spate of major incidents on the M65 this year which has included two fatalities;
  • "that Highways England is considering the removal of all remaining lighting on the M65.

Cllr Townsend asks the council "resolves to write to National Highways and Lancashire County Council" to:

  • Request an urgent review of the general safety of the M65 given the frequency of accidents. It is essential to assess this stretch of motorway for safety improvements, including but not limited to the need for lighting. This review should aim to enhance overall road safety, reduce accident risks and ensure the well-being of all road users; and
  • Reject any proposal that removes any of the remaining lighting on the M65.

As well as the fatal crash which killed Demi-Leigh and severely injured five others, a woman, 32, died in a crash in May near Preston, a horse was killed and four people injured in a crash near Burnley in October, plus a number of other incidents which have seen the motorway closed while wreckage is cleared up.

Cllr Aziz's motion passed by Hyndburn Full Council 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.

"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."