From National Highways' website:
We recently switched off some sections of life-expired street lighting around the M25 network as part of our work towards achieving National Highways’ net zero targets.
This includes some sections of street lighting in the following areas:
10.4 miles between junctions 6 and 9
2 miles between junction 21a to 23
4 miles between junction 29 to 30
Switching off these lights is estimated to save around 676,800 kgCO2e; the equivalent of taking over 400 cars off the road a year or the energy use of 85.3 homes over one year. Some areas, such as around junctions and slip roads, will remain lit and continue to be maintained. This will allow motorists to adjust between the different lighting levels on the M25 main carriageway and local road networks.
We carried out a thorough safety review prior to switching off the lighting in these sections. The lighting columns will remain in place for up to two years while we undertake further post switch-off safety reviews and signs are currently in place to indicate to motorists where sections of lighting have been switched off.
Our evidence on the M25 network suggests that turning off lighting reduces incidents. This not only supports the government's Net Zero strategy, but also benefits the environment, helping wildlife and reducing light pollution.In my opinion, it was about time some of these long lengths of lighting were switched off. The amount of energy and maintenance to be saved is enormous. Still plenty of lighting left on the M25 following these switch offs and potential removals, but with time I guess further sections will be assessed.