The council has launched the second phase of its programme, which will see eight lights on Buckingham Road, Gawcott, and 37 lights on the A421 between Tesco roundabout and Page Hill roundabout turned off during the evening.

Safety measures have been put in place, including renewing road markings and cutting back foliage around existing signage in Buckingham Road, and installing high intensity reflective bollards and solar studs on the A421. Streetlights will remain switched on at roundabouts.

Gawcott Parish Council is opposed to the proposals, fearing the switch-off could increase risks on the road.
Patrick Fealey, vice chairman, said: "As a parish council we are opposed to them being switched off."

Village residents have signed a petition against the move, which was handed to Bucks County Council last week.

In Buckingham, the mayor Cllr Howard Mordue said the town council wanted to ensure there were enough safety measures in place before the lights went out.

Town councillor Derek Isham also has concerns. He said: "It is summer now and light in the evenings, but what happens when it is winter? The footpath between Buckingham and Gawcott is not the safest in the world and with the roundabout and pedestrians on the path, you need the lights on."

However, Bucks County Council says consultation with local communities and other interest groups at the end of last year showed more than 62% of respondents were in favour of the switch-off.
Cllr Val Letheren, cabinet member for transportation, said: "We are pleased with how the first phase of this ground-breaking trial had gone.

"Our approach has been really thorough and has carefully considered all the road safety, accessibility and community safety implications of turning off streetlights."

She added the council would continue to monitor the sites.
The first phase of the county project began around a year ago and included switching off lights at the A421 Radclive roundabout near Buckingham.

The programme is part of the council's bid to save energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.

Details of the switch-off programme can be found at the website: www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/content/index.jsp?contentid=-897791118