Braintree could be plunged into darkness as thousands of streetlights are set to be turned off to save energy and cash.
Essex County Council is consulting with Braintree District Council and surrounding parish councils about turning off lights between midnight and 5am.
An Essex County Council spokesperson said “We operate around 12,000 streetlights across the Braintree district.
“The number of lights which will be switched to part-night will not be determined until after the end of the consultation period.”
The plans are expected to save tens of thousands of pounds per year and cut carbon emissions by 8,000 tonnes annually.
The scheme has been trialled in Maldon and Uttlesford since 2007.