Lighting the way to safer, smarter and sustainable roads Published on: 13 November 2025 A new European research initiative, SAFELUX – 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½’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, Â鶹´«Ã½’s project lead said, “Our research at Â鶹´«Ã½ 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, Â鶹´«Ã½’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 Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Local knowledge can improve early warnings of glacial lake floods Local knowledge, improved evacuation preparedness and resilient mobile phone-based communication channels can enhance Early Warning Systems to reduce loss of life during glacial lake outburst floods. published on: 3 August 2026 Funding boost moves landmark cancer research centre a step closer A £1.25 million grant from the Wolfson Foundation to Â鶹´«Ã½ has brought the Sir Bobby Robson Institute a significant step closer, giving a major boost to its fundraising campaign. published on: 3 August 2026 Statement on potential unauthorised data access Information about a potential unauthorised data access. published on: 30 July 2026 Facts and figures
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