Calls for London boroughs to turn off traffic lights in the early hours of the morning have been branded ‘reckless’ and dangerous.

The Green Light study from the Greater London Authority (GLA) Conservatives urged transport bosses and town halls to examine local road usage and congestion and - where safe - turn off traffic lights for the six hours after midnight.

However the London Assembly Labour Group said the suggestion risked turning the capital’s roads into ‘after-dark death-traps’.

GLA Conservatives claim switching off the lights at over 2,000 of the capital’s junctions would cut delays by 2,251 hours every day and save motorists £40m by 2020 in time and fuel.

Richard Tracey, GLA Conservative transport spokesman, said: ‘Rather than hurting motorists with ridiculous charges and taxes, we should look at innovative ways to cut congestion and make traffic flow more smoothly. Turning off traffic lights at night, like they do in parts of Europe and North America, is one measure which would boost the economy and help the environment.’

Responding to the report, London Assembly Labour Group transport spokesperson, Val Shawcross, said: ‘London is a 24-hour city and many routes remain busy throughout the night, the idea that just because it’s not the middle of the day we should turn off traffic lights just to save a few pounds is utterly reckless.

‘Only three years ago a Government report found that in other countries where this has been trialled accidents have tripled. Given the dangers faced on London’s streets as it is, this proposal risks making after-dark death-traps of our roads.’