More streetlights dimmed and switched off overnight in Cornwall
The programme is currently being rolled out between midnight and 5am in areas including Callington and Porthleven
Residents have raised concerns around safety and crime as more streetlights are being switched off across Cornwall.
Lights are dimmed or switched off between midnight and 5am across more areas including Callington and Porthleven in a bid from the council to save money on energy.
Cornwall Council say the 56,000 streetlights across the Duchy contribute to around 30% of the council’s total carbon emissions - and they're aiming to cut energy use and reduce light pollution.
The streetlight dimming programme is currently being rolled out across various areas in Cornwall.
"More precautions"
Beth Williams, Women's Centre Cornwall, said: "It could potentially lead women to take more precautions than they are already forced to."
The charity carried out a 'Walk with Women' survey, where it asked participants how streetlights make them feel safe.
Beth added: "Only six per cent of women said street lights would make them feel safer. The majority of women who responded said they think we need to fight the root cause of violence and abuse through education and cultural change."
A spokesperson from Cornwall Council said: "Our vast network of 56,000 streetlights currently contribute to around 30% of the council’s total carbon emissions. By turning off or dimming streetlights between midnight and 5am we are acting to cut carbon emissions, reduce energy use and reduce light pollution to help nature recovery, as well as help offset the increase in energy prices.
"Acting to cut carbon emissions"
"Safety is at the forefront in any decision about switching off streetlights. Evidence from other local authorities that have already implemented similar night-time switch offs show that levels of crime and number of traffic accidents do not increase.
"However, we continue to carry out risk assessments and share data with local stakeholders so that any concerns or 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. "
The council say streetlights remain on between midnight and 5am in various locations including:
• 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