Streetlights aid car insurance holders

Monday, 13 September 2010

GEM Motoring Assist (GEM) is calling on councils not to turn off or dim streetlights as this could lead to more accidents on the roads, which would affect car insurance premiums.

Several councils have already run trials to reduce street lighting in a bid to save money.

However, GEM's chief executive David Williams, said: "Streetlights are a necessity on our roads. With winter drawing nearer, it is even more important that visibility is aided wherever possible, not reduced."

"Poor weather, decreased visibility and bad road conditions during winter not only increase the risk of accidents but also contribute to a rise in breakdown situations, which in turn are more hazardous in dark and wintry conditions," he added.

Car insurance policyholders could be put in danger if lighting is decreased on the roads, Mr Williams warned.

Recently, safety groups including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the Institute of Road Safety Officers, called for councils not to switch off speed cameras as they attempt to save money.

The groups said cameras should still be used in areas where there is a high risk of an accident occurring.

Posted by Noel Martin

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