SAFELUX brings together experts from across Europe, led by AECOM with partners including Haskoning, AETHON Engineering, and Newcastle University and with two years of funding from the Conference of European Directors of Roads (CEDR) and will provide new road lighting guidelines after reviewing the evidence for street-light mitigation.

National Road Authorities have long relied on road lighting to reduce accident risks after dark, but advances in technology, climate targets and growing awareness of the detrimental impacts of light pollution on people and nature demand new approaches. SAFELUX will deliver evidence-based guidelines and tools to help authorities make lighting decisions that protect road users, cut energy costs and minimise ecological disruption.

Researchers at Newcastle University’s School of Natural and Environmental Sciences are leading a major work package on evidence synthesis, reviewing existing knowledge to understand how lighting affects road safety, biodiversity and energy efficiency.

Lighting for the benefit of people and nature

Professor Darren Evans, Newcastle’s project lead said, “Our research at Newcastle University was the first to show a direct link between street lighting and local insect declines. Currently we are working with a range of partners on how to mitigate these effects, for example by tuning the spectral output of LED lamps or dimming them.”

“Our aim is to create a robust evidence base so road authorities can make informed, balanced decisions about lighting,” said Dr Gavin Stewart, Newcastle’s project co-lead. Madeleine Fabusova, a researcher working on the project, added, “By drawing together scientific and technical insights, we can identify where lighting truly benefits people and nature.”

The Newcastle team is establishing a Knowledge Network to engage road authorities, lighting specialists, environmental organisations and community groups in shaping project outcomes. Interested stakeholders can find out more and are invited to join via the University’s webpage:
ncl.ac.uk/nes/our-research/biology/ecology/safelux