Liberal Democrat councillors Brian Newman and Mick Strickland, who is also a professional with the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and has personally responded to various incidents on the M65, recently presented a motion during a full Pendle Council meeting that called for immediate action to enhance safety on the highway. Pendle has now joined the ranks of neighboring boroughs, such as Burnley and Hyndburn, that have previously voiced similar concerns through motions aimed at implementing stricter safety measures on this essential stretch of motorway. Recommendations from these councils have included reinstating lighting along the road and reducing speed limits during nighttime hours.
Councillors Newman and Strickland highlighted that the M65 is an incredibly busy artery, managing around 75,000 journeys on a daily basis. This figure has witnessed a significant increase of approximately 15 percent over the past decade, reflecting the area’s growing population and economic activity. However, they expressed grave concerns about the alarming number of serious incidents reported in 2024, including tragic accidents that resulted in multiple fatalities. Among these was a particularly horrifying crash that claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl from Darwen, intensifying community fears around the motorway’s safety.
One of the most pressing issues raised by the councillors is the potential removal of the remaining lighting on the M65 by Highways England, an initiative that they believe could exacerbate the already precarious safety conditions on the motorway. In addition, both councillors pointed out that flooding poses a significant threat, especially on the segment that traverses Pendle, making certain areas treacherous for drivers.
In a democratic vote at the council meeting, representatives from all political parties united in support of the motion, which proposed that Pendle Council formally communicate with key authorities. These include National Highways, Lancashire County Council, the Secretary of State for Transport, and local Members of Parliament, to raise awareness of the severity of the issues surrounding the M65.
Cllr Newman expressed the prevailing sentiment surrounding the motorway, characterizing it as evoking a sense of dread among its users. He shared that the combination of flooding, inadequate lighting, and the abrupt ending of the motorway at Colne contributes to a perception that the M65 is hazardous. “The road is not fit for purpose,” he stated emphatically. He underscored the urgent need for authorities and MPs to focus on these challenges to catalyze meaningful changes. He also drew attention to the concrete central barrier of the motorway, suggesting that it could be contributing to the flooding issues, and stressed that reviewing speed limits could be part of the overall enhancement of safety measures.
The motion proposed concrete actions aimed at improving M65’s safety, including a thorough review of the motorway’s general safety conditions, particularly in light of the increasing frequency of accidents. Along with that, it called for comprehensive safety assessments, which would encompass not only lighting but also potentially other factors contributing to the heightened danger. The councillors expressed a firm opposition to any potential plans that might lead to the removal of the M65 lighting, advocating instead for dedicated funding allocated to conduct a feasibility study with the objective of reinstating lighting in areas where it has previously been removed.
Moreover, the motion highlighted the importance of Lancashire County Council taking decisive measures to mitigate flooding risks for motorists, recognizing that this is an essential aspect of improving overall road safety.
Cllr Strickland, who has firsthand experience with the realities of motorway accidents through his work with the fire service, echoed Cllr Newman’s sentiments. He shared the staggering fact that every accident he has responded to on the M65 has involved factors such as flooding or the absence of adequate lighting. This personal connection to the issue added a poignant layer to the urgency of their message. Cllr Strickland remarked on his recent travels from West Sussex to Lancashire and noted with concern that he found no other motorway stretch along this route facing similar safety deficiencies as those found on the M65. “We need to look at this again before we have more fatalities on the M65,” he asserted, reiterating the critical need for immediate attention and action.
The councillors underscored that the collective voice of Pendle Council, alongside those of Burnley and Hyndburn, has the potential to create momentum for tangible improvements on the M65. The fact that multiple boroughs are rallying together illustrates a regional consensus about the need for safety enhancements and underscores the seriousness of the issue at hand. They believe that by sending a clear and unified message to the relevant authorities, they can work collaboratively to drive changes that will undoubtedly make the M65 safer for all its users.
The rising number of road users and the corresponding increase in incidents underscore an urgent need for a comprehensive review and restoration of safety measures on the M65. With the support from various parties within the council, the motion has gained traction and attention as stakeholders assess the implications of current conditions on motorists. It raises a broader conversation about road safety within the region and the responsibility that local governments and national authorities share in protecting their citizens.
As local leadership takes charge of this critical dialogue, there is hope that combined efforts will translate into real safety reforms and measures that are reflective of the current demands of the motorway. The tragic instances that have marred the M65’s reputation cannot be overlooked, and with voices like those of Councillors Newman and Strickland leading the charge, there is optimism for a future where the motorway can be traversed without fear of accidents or danger.
Ultimately, it is not just about responding to incidents after they occur but about creating an environment where such tragedies can be prevented. That calls for a concerted effort from all levels of government and public service to assess, invest in, and revitalize the M65 so that it meets the safety requirements and expectations of today’s road users. By all accounts, this motion is more than a simple request for better road conditions; it is a proactive approach to enhancing community safety and ensuring that the roads are not just travel routes, but safe passages connecting families, businesses, and communities. The road ahead ought to be one where safety is prioritized, and every journey is taken with peace of mind.