DRIVERS in Essex are in danger because the streetlights were turned off, according to The AA.

The Automobile Association claim road safety at night improved by 18.6 per cent where lights were left on.

But there were much smaller reductions where lights were turned off.

The report also revealed public satisfaction with lighting was lower in Essex than anywhere else in the country.

Out of 78 councils Essex County Council was the only one with less than 50 per cent public satisfaction.

The AA president Edmund King said: "New official road safety statistics show that accident rates on blacked-out town and city roads are not getting better.

“In fact, on 40mph roads, they are getting much worse - particularly in bad weather.

"This is the type of road where most of the fatalities, for which coroners blamed street-light switch-offs as a contributory factor, happened.

"We would ask that, as a priority, the lights go back on along 40mph or faster roads in built-up areas.

A spokesman for the Department of Transport said: “Public safety is our first priority.

“The department provides advice to local authorities on factors they need to consider in managing street lighting, but they are best placed to decide exactly where it is needed."

Essex County Council claimed the report didn't "necessarily" reflect wider public opinion and leader David Finch said part night lighting was popular "among many residents".

He said: "An Essex Police briefing issued in May stated there was no evidence to suggest that part night lighting had any adverse impact on accidents."

He added: "We have ensured lights are left on where they are needed in places such as town centres.

"The council has been working closely with the police and responds to representations from them regarding any areas which they believe should be exempt from the scheme.”

However critics accused Essex County Council of ignoring both the evidence and public opinion.

Tim Young, cabinet member for community safety in Colchester, said: "I am not at all surprised by the figures from The AA.

"We have put in a motion calling for them to be switched back on.

"This is more evidence and I am not at all surprised Essex County Coucnil is bottom of the league.

"Residents want them back on.

"Turning the lights off is causing accidents and certain types of crime are increasing.

"What more evidence do they need before Rodney Bass does what the public wants."