¾ of councils are cutting costs by dimming or extinguishing lights across the UK — the Daily Mail reports today 22nd December.
In May 2010 just 148,000 streets lights were dimmed as a cost saving exercise when the coalition government came into power, but today it is reported that 1.36 million street lamps will be dimmed in streets in the UK. Where it is safe and practical to do so the Government have backed this move but many residents are concerned that by doing so there will be an increase in crime and car crashes. The AA and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents want crime rates and accident figures in these areas to be examined and monitored as the light is reduced.
The increase in the number of lamps being dimmed or switched off comes as Councils begin a cost cutting exercise and an environmental concern to reduce carbon emissions.
The facts:
- The Labour Party found 141 councils in England, responsible for 5.7 million street lights
- There are now 558,000 lights being switched off, 8 times more than May 2010
- A further 797,000 are being dimmed, 10 times more as when the coalition came into power
- Overall there are 24% more lights being dimmed or switched off compared to 2.6% in May 2010
The most affected counties are the Shires, David Cameron and Eric Pickles need to encourage these authorities to look at some of their forward thinking authorities by investing in new technologies like LED lights to save money on electricity bills and keep residents safe. There is a major safety concern amongst residents walking home in the dark, especially in the winter months as the nights draw in — the Government has insisted that authorities should listen to local residents and ensure that lighting is not switched off or dimmed if there are concerns about safety and crime.
According to the AA low lighting makes fatal accidents more likely, on unlit motorways the death rate from crashes is almost double that compared to strips of motorway with good lighting.
