The UK's 5 darkest roads including crash corridor and steepest in the country

As the clocks went back on Sunday, plunging Britain into darker evenings, road safety experts have issued a stark warning to motorists. The end of British summertime typically sees an 11% rise in collisions in the two weeks following the time change, according to the AA's Accident Assist team.

Now, research by Right Fuel Card has identified the UK's darkest and most dangerous roads this winter, combining crash statistics with light pollution data from the Bortle Scale, which measures night-sky brightness. CEO Matthew Briggs has also shared vital tips for staying safe while driving in the dark. "Areas with low light pollution are among the most beautiful in the country, but for drivers, they can be treacherous," said Mr Briggs. "Reduced visibility significantly increases the risk of collisions."

5. Exmoor National Park - Porlock Hill (Bortle ranking 4.1)

While southern England is generally plagued by light pollution, Exmoor National Park remains one of the darkest spots in the region. Yet darkness isn't the only danger - Porlock Hill, connecting Porlock to Lynmouth, is officially the steepest A-road in the UK. With sharp inclines and hairpin turns, it's a magnet for accidents. Locals have long campaigned for lower speed limits and clearer signage after a string of crashes.

4. Snowdonia - A496 crash route (Bortle ranking 4.1)

Snowdonia's twisting mountain roads attract thrill-seekers and tourists alike, yet they demand constant vigilance. The A496, linking Llanelltyd to Blaenau Ffestiniog, is particularly notorious. Despite its stunning backdrop, collisions are reported almost weekly due to blind bends, narrow lanes and low lighting through the valleys.

3. Northumberland National Park - B1340 Junction near Swinhoe (Bortle ranking 4.0)

As the least populated national park in the UK, Northumberland is celebrated for its pristine skies - and its status as Europe's largest International Dark Sky Park. But those same conditions can make driving perilous. The B1340 junction near Swinhoe has seen a spate of serious accidents since 2020, prompting calls for realignment and improved visibility.

2. Lake District - Kirkstone Pass (Bortle ranking 3.9)

Winding through Cumbria's mountain valleys, Kirkstone Pass is the highest road in the Lake District, peaking at 1,489 feet. While its views are spectacular by day, the narrow bends, steep gradients and near-total darkness after sunset create a recipe for danger. In the colder months, fog and ice add to the peril.

1. Scottish Highlands - A9 (Bortle ranking 2.6)

The Scottish Highlands boast some of Britain's most breathtaking scenery, but their dark skies come at a cost. The A9, stretching from Perth to Inverness, has become notorious as one of the UK's deadliest routes. Between 2020 and 2024, the A9, A96 and A82 corridors saw 1,503 casualties and 81 fatalities. Often dubbed the "Killer A9," the road's poor lighting and unpredictable weather conditions make nighttime driving particularly hazardous.