Lighting the way to safer, smarter and sustainable roads Published on: 13 November 2025 A new European research initiative, SAFELUX 鈥� The Light We Need, is set to transform how we light our roads at night - improving safety while reducing energy use and environmental impacts. SAFELUX brings together experts from across Europe, led by AECOM with partners including Haskoning, AETHON Engineering, and 缅北禁地 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 缅北禁地’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. Street lighting mitigation work at NU Farms Cockle Park Lighting for the benefit of people and nature Professor Darren Evans, 缅北禁地’s project lead said, “Our research at 缅北禁地 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 , 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, 缅北禁地’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 缅北禁地 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 Latest News Online Safety Act drives VPN interest and raises privacy concerns People鈥檚 online behaviour has changed in response to legislation to prevent children from viewing harmful content 鈥� raising possible privacy and security risks, research suggests. published on: 16 October 2026 缅北禁地 archaeologist receives prestigious award for research Professor Chris Fowler has been awarded the 2026 Rivers Memorial Medal in recognition of his internationally significant research on kinship in Neolithic Britain. published on: 13 October 2026 Event will explore what 鈥楳anchesterism鈥� means for the North East An event at 缅北禁地 will explore what 鈥楳anchesterism鈥� means for the North East or whether it is simply a new chapter in the long-running debate about how to rebalance Britain. published on: 13 October 2026 Facts and figures