Lack of lights ‘risks lives’

Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan has claimed the “refusal” by Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy to repair street lights is putting the lives of motorists and pedestrians at risk.

The East Antrim MLA said: “It is now been revealed that over 17,000 street lights remain out of order. This is unacceptable. The minister’s stubborn refusal to put the safety of road users and pedestrians first could end in tragedy.

“Poor or inadequate street lighting also increases the fear and vulnerability of the elderly and infirm.

“Mr Kennedy needs to tell the public now how he intends to provide safer driving conditions in what is traditionally one of the worst periods of the year for accidents on our roads.”