Critics have called for a rethink of plans to switch off street lights along a stretch of road notorious for crashes. 

Alexandra Kemp, a Norfolk County Councillor, has said the proposal to turn off lights along the Bawsey Dips - a stretch of road near King's Lynn known for its humps - will put drivers at risk and fears more accidents will happen due to the changes.

It follows Conservative-controlled County Hall's decision to switch off 1,000 street lights across Norfolk to save £200,000 a year and will cut carbon emissions by an annual 76 tonnes.

Eastern Daily Press: County councillor Alexandra KempCounty councillor Alexandra Kemp

Ms Kemp, independent county councillor for Clenchwarton and King's Lynn South, said: "Norfolk County Council (NCC) has a poor attitude to road safety in west Norfolk.

"They need to keep the Bawsey lights. If you take it away, you will put everyone at risk and increase accidents."

Ms Kemp worries that the major development in West Winch, where 1100 homes will be built, will increase traffic in the area, adding to safety concerns. 

READ MORE: Where 1,000 street lights will be switched off in Norfolk

Lights will be switched off between Mintlyn Wood Road and just east of Chilver House Lane on Lynn Road/Gayton Road in BawseyLights will be switched off between Mintlyn Wood Road and just east of Chilver House Lane on Lynn Road/Gayton Road in Bawsey (Image: Google)

Lights will go dark on the B1145 Lynn Road / Gayton Road, between Mintlyn Wood Road and just east of Chilver House Lane later this year.

In the past six months, there have been two serious accidents along this road, with both taking place between 11pm and 1am. 

Historically, the stretch of road has been an accident hotspot and Ms Kemp believes that night lighting has helped reduce the number of crashes. 

Eastern Daily Press: Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transportGraham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport (Image: Newsquest)

Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport at Norfolk County Council, has stood by the plans and said all proposed locations will be risk assessed with Norfolk Police.

"We appreciate that there may be some concern," he added.

"The safety assessment at Bawsey hasn’t highlighted any specific concerns

"Industry guidelines do not require lighting for roads with a dip or bend, and there are similar instances in Norfolk where these features are unlit."

Mr Plant added that other safety measures on the road include a 50mph speed limit and continuous white lines to discourage overtaking.