Hornchurch and Upminster MP, Julia Lopez, has written to National Highways to raise serious concerns about the planned switch-off of motorway lighting along the M25 between junctions 27 and 28.
The proposed change, due to begin on 11 August 2025, will see streetlighting removed from a 6.5-mile stretch of the main carriageway in Essex as part of a trial assessment period. The lighting at junctions and slip roads will remain. National Highways plans to monitor road safety over an 18-month period before deciding whether to remove the lighting permanently in 2027.
Julia has questioned the decision, particularly in light of increasing traffic and recent collision data. Referencing National Highways’ own projections from the nearby M25 Junction 28 improvement scheme, she pointed to the forecast that traffic in the area is expected to grow by around 30 percent by 2037.
In her letter to National Highways, Julia also highlighted data from Crashmap showing that between 2014 and 2023, 19 serious collisions occurred on the section of motorway within her constituency. These incidents involved 45 vehicles and resulted in 33 casualties. Across the full J27–28 stretch, there were five fatal crashes during that same period, with nine casualties.
Her concerns have been amplified by a serious three-vehicle collision that took place on 16 July 2025 — the same day the lighting switch-off was announced. According to Essex Police, one person was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
“This stretch of the M25 is already the site of frequent and serious accidents, and traffic is only set to increase in the years ahead,” said Mrs Lopez. “It is difficult to understand how a reduction in lighting can be justified at a time when road usage is projected to grow so significantly. I am seeking urgent clarity from National Highways on how this decision was made, and on the data and methodology underpinning it.”
In her correspondence, Julia requested further information from National Highways, including:
- A detailed breakdown of serious and fatal incidents recorded on this section of the M25 and how many occurred during hours when lighting was in use.
- Clarification on the methodology used to determine when streetlighting is considered necessary.
- The outcome of the safety assessments specific to this stretch of motorway.
