M65 Urgently Needs Safety Review After Fatal Accidents in 2024

Pendle: Local councillors are really pushing for a safety review of the M65 after some serious accidents this year, including two tragic deaths. They’re especially concerned about the lack of lighting and flooding issues on the road.

At a recent council meeting, Lib-Dem councillors Brian Newman and Mick Strickland, who also works with the fire service, brought this up. They pointed out that the M65 sees about 75,000 vehicles daily, which is a 15% increase over the last decade. Unfortunately, this year has seen a troubling rise in major incidents.

The councillors are worried because Highways England is thinking about removing the last bits of lighting on the M65. They also mentioned that flooding is a big problem, especially in Pendle. Everyone at the meeting agreed that Pendle Council should reach out to National Highways and local MPs to address these issues.

Coun Newman expressed his frustration, saying the M65 feels dangerous for drivers. He highlighted the flooding, the absence of lights, and how the road just ends at Colne. He believes the road isn’t safe and needs urgent attention.

He also suggested that they should reconsider the concrete barriers that might be causing flooding and look into adjusting speed limits. The motion they proposed included several key points, like reviewing the road’s safety, assessing lighting needs, and opposing any plans to remove existing lights.

Coun Strickland shared his own experiences with accidents on the M65, noting that flooding and poor lighting were often factors. He emphasized the need for a thorough review before more lives are lost.

It’s clear that the Pendle councillors are determined to make the M65 safer for everyone. They’re calling for action, and it looks like they won’t stop until they see some changes.