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Plan to cut down on street lighting
Parts of Lancashire could be plunged into darkness as County Hall bosses consider how to help save the planet ... and cut budgets.
But safety groups have urged caution as the county council looks at ways of slashing its lighting bill and reducing its carbon footprint.
The council wants to reduce emissions by 30% over the next few years and is considering turning off street lights at certain times in specific areas.
The council spends nearly 6m a year on street lights, which account for 27% of the carbon footprint. Using low energy bulbs, dimming lights or switching some off completely, probably in the early hours, are options.
The idea has already been trialed in Powys in North Wales, where some residents are upset at having their street lights turned off at night.
Lancashire County Council's Conservative group leader, Geoff Driver, who lives in Fulwood, reckoned it was a good idea but warned the county to do its homework first.
Coun Driver said: "They need to make sure the existing systems are working properly – make sure lights aren't off at night and on during the day.
"We have got to employ the right equipment, such as low energy bulbs and proper timers.
"We must not go down a route that affects the safety of road users or the community.
"The last thing we want is all the lights out in the middle of Preston or Lancaster."
Rachel Baines of the Lancashire Police Federation added: " There has got to be a fine balance between energy efficiency and benefit to the public.
"If there are lessons to be learned from Wales we need to look at them and see if there is any significant increase in crime or road traffic matters (as a result of the lights being turned off) and that should be taken into consideration."
A spokesman for LCC confirmed: "We are looking into options including altering lighting levels, installing energy efficient equipment and switching off streetlights at certain times and locations."
Jo Stagg from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said: "Councils need to do very careful risk assessments and be confident they are not going to lead to accidents and personal safety issues."
Mark Wallace, from the Taxpayers Alliance said that if the lights turns were turned off householders should receive a rebate.
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -4 C to 2 C
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