More street lights to be turned off in Cornwall
They're set to be switched off between 12am-5am to save energy costs
Last updated 31st May 2024
More parts of Cornwall are going to have their streetlights switched off between midnight and 5am.
It's set to happen in Carbis Bay, St Columb Major, St Neot and Treverbyn Parish, in the latest phase of a project by Cornwall Council.
The authority says it's to reduce carbon emissions, cut light pollution to help nature recovery and encourage nocturnal wildlife, protect our designated Dark Skies areas, and save money on energy costs.
Streetlights will remain on, or be dimmed between midnight and 5am to reduce light pollution, in locations such as
Traffic signal junctions, pedestrian crossings, subways, some roundabouts and junctions
Parts of town centres and footpaths that are still relatively busy during the night
On certain roads where there is traffic calming and speed humps
Areas where there is CCTV or police surveillance equipment
Entrances and exits to hospitals, police, ambulance and fire stations
"Safety is at the forefront"
The council’s portfolio holder for transport, Richard Williams-Pears said: “So far 4,918 of the council’s streetlights have been dimmed or turned off. That number will increase to 5,898 in this next phase.
“I want to reassure residents that safety is at the forefront in any decision about switching off streetlights. Before we embarked on this initiative, we consulted with the Safer Cornwall Partnership who continue to monitor the situation carefully and feedback any concerns. We won’t be compromising on safety as where risk assessments have shown that streetlights are still beneficial, they will be kept on, or will be dimmed once new LED bulbs are fitted.”
“Risk assessments will continue to be carried out and data shared with local stakeholders. Any concerns and requests, including requests from parish and town councils for areas where they want to see streetlights switched off or turned back on again, are fully considered.”