Motorists have said the visibility is so poor at night that driving along the route has become a “guessing game”
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Drivers have raised concerns over a stretch of a Merseyside motorway which they said is “pitch-black” at night. Motorists using the M53 have reported long unlit sections, including between the Moreton spur and the Wallasey Tunnel, where street lights are not in use.
Some motorists have described the conditions as “outrageous” and say the darkness is causing anxiety for those travelling on the route. Earlier this week, the ECHO reported on two crashes which occurred simultaneously on the M53.
One incident took place on the northbound carriageway between junction five at New Chester Road and junction four at Bebington, while another happened on the southbound carriageway between junction three at the A552 Woodchurch Road and junction four at the A5137 Brimstage Road.
National Highways, which is responsible for maintaining motorways and major A-roads, has previously reduced lighting on some routes as part of safety and energy-saving measures. Lighting is now typically focused on junctions, slip roads and areas considered to have a higher crash risk.
Drivers who regularly use the M53 say the extended unlit stretches are unsafe(Image: Liverpool Echo)
However, drivers who regularly use the M53 say the extended unlit stretches are unsafe and are calling for the situation to be reviewed.
Alan Miller, 55, who travels on the M53 daily for work, said he fears the lack of lighting could lead to a serious accident.
He told the ECHO: “I live in Wallasey on the Wirral and travel to work in Broughton in North Wales using the M53. I work shifts, including nights, and I’ve become more concerned about the shocking lack of motorway lighting.
“I’m fearful this could be the cause of a major accident. People might assume headlights are sufficient, but it’s actually having an adverse effect, as some drivers are using high beams to cut through the darkness and are inadvertently blinding oncoming traffic.
“If this is purely a lighting fault and not cost-cutting, then it’s taking a dangerously long time to fix.”
Jeffrey Peters described the situation as “dangerous and outrageous” and said the road “needs to be lit,” while Michelle McGreal said visibility was so poor it felt like “a guessing game”.
Vehicles drive in darkness down the M53 near Upton(Image: Liverpool Echo)
She said: “You can’t see the driver’s side kerb in the dark, and when oncoming traffic has their lights on, it’s impossible to judge where you are on the road. So much money has been spent on making it safer, yet it feels like a death trap.”
Mark Gardiner added: “It’s pitch black driving back to Upton from Wallasey once you get past B&Q.”
Another road user, Mark Whiteley, said the situation was “outrageous” and should be challenged.
In response, a spokesperson for National Highways said the lighting was switched off in 2023 due to electrical safety concerns.
A spokesperson said: “This lighting was switched off in 2023 on safety grounds after it reached the end of its serviceable life.
“Safety is our priority, and any decision to remove lighting is fully researched and carefully considered. Meanwhile, we’re looking to restore lighting at local junctions.”
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