PLANS to turn out the lights on the M65 have suffered a major blow after police said the proposals would put motorists at risk.

The force said it would be a ‘retrograde’ step if Lancashire County Council approved the move.

And police pointed to the increase in traffic in recent years and the fact that ambulances now use the motorway more frequently as key reasons why the proposals should be rejected.

Council bosses last week put forward the plan to save £65,000 a year and reduce carbon emissions by 300 tonnes.

County councillors said it would not affect safety, but police said they had not yet been consulted by the county council.

Inspector Phil Cottam, head of the motorway policing unit, said: “The police are acutely aware of the dangers posed by motorways, in most cases lighting assists in making them safer and helping to enhance public confidence in using them.

“It is always difficult to balance financial and environmental matters with public safety but I would say that safety should always come first.”

A police spokesperson added: “Cuts in the lighting on this lengthy of motorway are seen by the police as a retrograde step in relation to motorway safety.

“It is true to say that many motorways are not lit. However, there is a causalty link, especially in relation to fatigue where drivers move from lit sections to unlit sections of motorway.

“In addition, carriageway lighting is especially helpful to motorists who breakdown and have to get out of their vehicle on the hard-shoulder.

“Lit sections are much safer for the emergency services to deal with when an incident has occurred.”

The spokesman said the development of business and retail outlets along the motorway - particularly in Pendle - had seen traffic volume increase significantly.

He said: “Queues are now a daily occurrence at some junctions exiting the motorway carriageway and any reduction in lighting will in the view of the police make this motorway more dangerous.

“Lastly, the M65 is now a vital route for the transfer of patients by ambulance from East Lancashire to the Royal Blackburn Hospital. "The police regard it as vital that this motorway remains a safe and reliable route at all times of the day and night.”

The plans will be further considered by county councillors before a final decision is made.