Street Light Switch Off Consultation

Fri 13 Jun, 17:23 (last edited on Fri 13 Jun, 17:34)

Some clarification ref the first post on this thread:  OCC are not "trying to push through" a policy on streetlighting, in fact the exact opposite.  This is what is says on the website:  "This framework is about how part-night lighting could be implemented in Oxfordshire. It is not about whether part-night lighting is right for specific areas.

In September 2025, the council's cabinet will decide whether or not to move forward with part-night lighting. If the decision is to proceed, we are proposing that towns, parishes or Oxford city wards apply for part-night lighting schemes in their areas and that a public consultation is carried out for each scheme."

This is the process that was used to introduce the 20mph speed limits, which have been adopted by virtually every community. 

And we have already installed low-carbon street lighting everywhere in the county, reducing emissions by 70%

Fri 13 Jun, 16:59

Martin, Very bright torches have the disadvantage that they can temporarily blind anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in the beam.  They can also prevent the eyes of the user from adjusting to the dark. There are similar problems with some very bright car LED headlights which can temporarily blind oncoming drivers. In response to multiple complaints, the government is currently considering banning very bright headlights. 

Going into dark caves, I have frequently been instructed to use a torch sparingly and to avoid very bright LED torches, also to use a red filter, where possible. This is not just to preserve the cave paintings and features, although it also helps with this, it is to protect one's eyes and prevent temporary flash blindness. 

When learning how to evacuate a theatre in case of a power cut I have also been told to allow time for the eyes of the audience to adjust to the sudden blackness. Torches have their uses and should always be available, but overhead lights (even low overhead lights) are generally preferred.

My caving holidays are over, alas, and I also no longer act as a theatre usher. Like many elderly people, I now see less well in the dark. But the same principles apply to the lighting of our streets. 

Fri 13 Jun, 11:39

Thank you Liz! 

I thought that OCC was investing in sustainable streetlighting in Oxfordshire? If so, then brilliant, but as Liz has said, if that's not possible, please keep the lights on for those who are out after 11:30pm. 

Fri 13 Jun, 11:04

People who own cars or don't go out late at night need to feel empathy for others without that luxury. In particular night workers, older and disabled people, women, young people, and party goers of all ages have the right to walk home late in safety. Dark skies are beautiful but the safety of our community is paramount. Remember too there are many parts of Oxfordshire that are less safe and crime-free than Charlbury.

Low-carbon street lighting would be the ideal compromise, but if this is not an affordable option then please let's keep the lights on.

Thu 12 Jun, 21:41 (last edited on Fri 13 Jun, 09:09)

It may be worth noting that some torches now are actually as powerful as streetlights (eg 5000 lumens). They have the advantage that this high-power light is only used when somebody actually needs it, rather than all night - over the entire county of Oxfordshire. 

Thu 12 Jun, 19:30

How would turning off the street lights square with the requirement to illuminate the road bumps on Dyers Hill?

Thu 12 Jun, 19:20

Susie, it’s not just about visibility, it’s about feeling safe!

If there are lights that don’t produce so much carbon emissions that would be brilliant but don’t sacrifice the safety of residents.

Thu 12 Jun, 19:09

Why were street lights originally installed ? 

Proper illumination of streets reduces the risk of accidents, deters criminal activities, and fosters a sense of community wellbeing.

Thu 12 Jun, 17:45

It would make it harder to spot the cyclists in the contraflows 🤣

Thu 12 Jun, 17:35

This came up at the Town Council when I was on it so at least before 2016! I thought it should go ahead but be after the last train and bus has been through. For those who worry just take a torch. 

Thu 12 Jun, 16:38

Walking up from the train station late at night the lighting is appalling. How to make it more unsafe for women.

We don't need lights turned off where the lighting is poor. We need green lighting or lighting that dims after you past it.

Thu 12 Jun, 16:33

I often come back late at night, well after 11:30pm. I don’t think we have enough streetlights, particularly on Dyers Hill and near Nine Acres/Enstone Rd. I always walk in the road on those sections as I don’t feel safe. Turning off the streetlights after 11:30pm makes me feel even more unsafe.

Thu 12 Jun, 16:13

I agree.

Walkers and cyclists are welcome, but not those with disabilities.

I find it hard to navigate Charlbury on my mobility scooter.  Narrow pavements, wheely bins, inconsiderate parking.  It's tough.  

So I don't go out on my buggy as much as I would like, or need to.  

Perhaps an issue that our Town Councillors would care to address their minds to? 

Thu 12 Jun, 16:04 (last edited on Thu 12 Jun, 16:06)

It's not just at weekends that people are walking back from the pubs, restaurants and other events after 11.30 pm.

Those of us who live in the dark parts of Charlbury are all to aware of the dangers when one of the streetlights fails. 

The pavements and roads are hazardous with potholes and obstacles. Parking in the centre of town and at the station is now very limited, and walking often the only alternative.

Charlbury prides itself on being dementia friendly. I wish it would also be mobility friendly. Only a small proportion of those with mobility problems qualify for blue badge parking. 

Thu 12 Jun, 14:14

This sounds very sensible to me, although might be an idea go a bit later on friday/ Saturday night for those stumbling back from the pubs. 

Thu 12 Jun, 12:01 (last edited on Thu 12 Jun, 12:02)

Thanks for the link Christine. I filled in my survey responses. I was interested to read this in the FAQ: "Last year our street lighting generated over 2,420 tonnes of carbon emissions, around a third of the council’s overall emissions and the largest contributor to them". I had no idea street lighting had such an impact on emissions. 

Very few people would be walking around between 11.30pm and 5.30am so it probably makes sense to switch off the lights then. 

Thu 12 Jun, 10:28 (last edited on Thu 12 Jun, 10:30)

It’s not trying to push it through? It expressly says that towns/parishes will be able to “apply for part-night lighting schemes in their areas”. If Charlbury doesn’t ask for it then Charlbury doesn’t get it. No pushing involved.

Thu 12 Jun, 10:10

Yet again OCC is trying to push through a policy to turn off street lights at night. It was only last year that OCC declared it wanted to do this, but had to withdraw the plans after a huge backlash over safety concerns.

The proposal has now been slightly changed , and is now called "Part-Night Lighting", but only a few weeks have been allowed for the consultation -- until 6 July (and at a time of year when a lot of people will be away).

The consultation is here: https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/pnl 

Please advise others that the consultation is running. If the the proposals are passed and also agreed locally street lights would be turned off between 23:30 and 05:30 in rural areas, and between midnight and 05:30 in urban areas, but with certain exemptions.

I, for one, am pretty annoyed that this has come up again so soon after OCC's last attempt to turn off street lights at night. The earlier discussion on this forum about this policy (in March of this year) can be found here: https://www.charlbury.info/forum/13008#65164