BOSSES at the Highways Agency have confirmed the organisation has received a letter from a coroner about its M65 lighting policy.

Michael Singleton, coroner for Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley said he planned to write to the agency following the inquest into the death of Mark Burgess.

The 39-year-old, who was born in Burnley, but lived in Abbey Village, was killed when his car crashed into a barrier near junction eight.

Mr Singleton heard how HGV driver Mr Burgess had not been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision and was two-and-a-half times over the drink drive limit, meaning lighting would probably not affected the outcome.

But motorists caught up in the aftermath of the crash who collided with the debris, said they could not see what was in the road because it was too dark.

The Highways Agency, which manages the motorway from junction one to 10, turned the lights out between junctions seven and 10 in 2011 to reduce carbon emissions.

Junctions 10 to 14, where the lights are turned off between midnight and 5am, are maintained by Lancashire County Council.

The Lancashire Telegraph launched its Turn The Lights On campaign in a bid to have the motorway lights switched back on.

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said officials were now considering the issues raised in the letter. They have until April 22 to respond.

To sign the Lancashire Telegraph petition, visit http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/campaigns/make_the_m65_safer/make_the_m65_safer_petition/?ref=fetp