Labour is calling for an urgent review of the impact of cuts to street lighting on women's safety, after several councils reduced or switched off lights to save money. Shadow home affairs minister Stella Creasy described the government's stance as 'breathtakingly complacent' and urged ministers to assess the consequences.
Labour cited six county councils—Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Norfolk, Essex, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire—that are scaling back lighting. Others, including Kirklees and Gwynedd, plan to follow suit. By 2012, up to 80% of street lights in Hertfordshire could be off between midnight and 05:00.
Ms Creasy told the BBC News Channel that 'worrying stories' from towns like Stevenage and Welwyn Hatfield indicated increased accidents, crime and fear. 'We are simply saying to the government: look at these figures, look at what is actually happening and conduct a proper review,' she said. She argued that while cutting lighting saves councils 'a couple of thousand pounds', it may cost more in the long run through accidents and crime.
Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has previously described overnight cuts as a 'sensible' environmental measure, provided they occur at a 'reasonable time' and after local consultation. The Department for Communities and Local Government stressed that decisions should be made locally by elected councillors, reflecting residents' views, especially on crime.
Councils face 28% cuts in government funding over four years. Derbyshire County Council could save £400,000 a year by switching off 40% of lighting overnight, with 70% of residents supporting the move in consultation. The Local Government Association said savings could be made 'without reducing public safety' if police and residents are consulted.
In contrast, Westminster Council is investing in technology to dim lights to 75% capacity at non-peak periods, potentially saving £8m over 20 years. Cabinet member Ed Argar said: 'It makes no sense to be wasting money and energy with lights burning brightly at all hours.'
