The number of unlit motorways is due to increase as the transport ministry’s road management organisation looks for more cost savings.

Lights along parts of the motorway network in the provinces of Flevoland and Noord-Limburg were switched off on Monday night. Utrecht will follow at the beginning of July. In September parts of the motorways in Noord and Zuid-Holland, Noord-Brabant and Limburg will be unlit at night.

The measure has already been introduced in Gelderland and Overijssel.

The ministry is trying to cut €1.64bn from its budget. On its website it says unlit motorways not only save money but are also better for the environment.

Lights will remain on during the morning and evening rush hours.