FAQs - Street lighting
Q. Why does the government not look at putting street lights on timers so that they go off at one in the morning. People in the countryside manage with little or no street lights, even every other light would make a difference, saving energy and cutting light pollution. I have driven through areas at night and there is so much light that it’s like day, surely this lighting could be reduced?
A. The provision and maintenance of street lighting on local roads is the responsibility of the local highway authority.
Street lights already use highly efficient forms of high-output discharge lighting technologies. The European Union's Energy-using Products Directive is also designed to improve the efficiency of street lighting.
Some older street lights continue to be fitted with timers to switch them on and off. These are likely to be replaced by photocells, which control the street light according to the changes in daylight and do not have to be adjusted for changes between British Summer Time and Greenwich Mean Time, when the street lighting is updated
Highway authorities are able to reduce lighting levels or switch street lighting off if they wish. Street lighting can improve road safety and has an important role in helping to create good conditions for mobility, particularly walking and cycling. Home Office studies show that good lighting helps to reduce street crime and the fear of crime.
The Department for Transport endorses Well-lit Highways, the code of practice on highway lighting management published by the UK Lighting Board. The Board, in conjunction with the Institution of Lighting Engineers, has also produced Invest to Save, which provides guidance to local authorities considering adopting energy saving measures such as dimming or switching off of lights. Local highway authorities will, when considering such issues, have to balance any financial or environmental benefits against potential adverse effects, for example, on accidents or crime.
Page last modified:
22 February 2008
Page published: 22 February 2008