It’s an eerie thought. Street lights switched off throughout the country between 
midnight and 5am to reduce carbon emissions. I wonder if this could really happen.
It’s already set to happen in parts of Norfolk, despite fears that it will lead to soaring crime when the streets are plunged into darkness. The switch off is already happening in Devon where more than 8,000 street lights will change from all night to part-night lighting as a five-year programme to save energy begins. It is anticipated the initiative will cut Devon County Council’s energy bill by £450,000 and save up to 4,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The Eastern Daily Press today reports that controversial plans to switch off up to 27,000 street lights across Norfolk between midnight and 5am have been agreed following a heated debate. It is believed to save £167,000 each year over the next three years, while cutting the council’s annual carbon emissions by about 1,000 tonnes.
Cabinet members agreed to push ahead with the plans, insisting lights will not be switched off in city centres, on major roads or in high crime areas, with a string of possible exemptions identified where lights will not be switched off. Those exemptions include streets with CCTV cameras, where lights have been installed to prevent accidents and places where police can demonstrate there will be an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour if the streets were blacked out.
I imagine other authorities across the country will be watching these two counties closely to see if this could work for them too. I expect crime levels in the blacked out areas will be monitored and any problem areas will be reviewed. I can see why this makes sense and it’s always a brave step to be one of the first to introduce new measures. Reducing carbon emissions requires drastic actions like this. At least the blackout is at a time of night when few people are out and about. Let’s watch this space!
Would it worry you? How would you feel if your street lights were switched off during those hours?
I would say catch 22 really. As I am asleep during those hours it doesn’t worry me, but as you say, will crime rise. I think in my street they could reduce the amount of lights that are on, keeping some lighting.
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It has possibly got some merits but the way the County has “consulted” on this has been an insult to democracy. They have made the decision and are not willing to listen to anyone else.
The best way would to be to have lights with automatic sensors for movement. I suspect that would cost a lot of money to implement though!
I think it would be fine if the law was changed such that all rights, human or otherwise, are lost when burgling a property.
They should switch off office lights in cities at night, not street lights
Its a good idea Elle .
Weve had no lights in our village area ever and Id hate to have any put in .
We have the moonlight ( on good nights ) and all that you need do is put in your own movement induced light to get you in and out in the dark .
Only thing is we do have badgers , foxes , deer and cats turning them on !
On the plus side we get a great view of the night sky
I think this is a very good idea…. parts of my village already has no lights …. when in cambridge i am always amazed by the amount of street lighting at night, they could easily turn every second one off and it would still be well lit.
and there are torches for when its dark 🙂
I remember street lights always went off at night when I was a child. made a clock that adjusted the on/off time acording to the time of year and they still do.
Turn the lights off, give a British Company work, reduce energy usage and light pollution.