National Highways has delayed a controversial plan to switch off motorway lighting between junctions 27 and 28 of the M25 as part of a year-long safety trial — after public concerns and pressure from local MP Julia Lopez.
The trial, originally expected to begin on August 11, would see lighting removed along the stretch between Theydon Interchange and Brentwood to test whether the funds could be better spent elsewhere on the road network. However, National Highways has confirmed to the Recorder that the date has been postponed while teams work to “secure the roadworks needed” for the switch-off.
A new start date has not yet been announced.
Safety and cost concerns
National Highways says the trial is part of a wider review into how taxpayers’ money is spent, and whether permanent lighting is essential for safety in every location.
“Safety is our top priority and we must spend taxpayers’ money where it will have greatest benefit to road users,” a spokesperson said.
“We will only remove lighting if we are satisfied it is safe to do so after a trial period of operating with the lights switched off.”
They added that junctions and slip roads will remain lit throughout the trial period.
MP intervention
Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez has taken up the issue on behalf of concerned constituents, confirming that she has written to National Highways and will be meeting with officials next week.
“I’m worried about the potential impact,” she said.
“I want to know the full details of how they’ve assessed the safety of this move, including how many serious accidents happened when the lights were in use.”
According to data from Crashmap, there were 33 casualties reported between junctions 27 and 28 from 2014 to 2023.
Future congestion
National Highways is also predicting a 30% increase in traffic in the area by 2037, with more than 9,000 vehicles per hour expected to pass through the junction 28 area during peak times — raising questions about whether reduced lighting could create additional risks.
The year-long trial will compare night-time casualty data with figures from the last five years to determine whether lighting removal would have a negative impact on road safety.
National Highways has said it does not take these decisions lightly, and no final decision will be made until the trial concludes.
