The decision to turn out street lights at night across Essex has been extended to the A13 and A127 for a two-year trial.

Dubbed the ‘Part-Night Lighting Scheme’, the controversial money-saving measure will see lights switched off between midnight and 5am across the county.

Now, on the same day that Epping Forest will have its streets plunged into darkness, it has been announced the scheme will be extended to two major routes.

The decision was taken by Councillor Rodney Bass, cabinet member for highways.

The trial will be reviewed after 12 months and major junctions along the A13 and A127 will remain lit all night.

Mr Bass said: “I am pleased that we are extending our part-night lighting scheme to these areas, which will lead to further reductions to our energy consumption and related expenditure.”