'Profit over people' as Cornwall's street light switch-off raises safety concerns

-Credit: (Image: Cornwall Council)
-Credit: (Image: Cornwall Council)


After it was confirmed that thousands of streetlights across Cornwall are being switched off at midnight as part of a council initiative to reduce carbon emissions and light pollution, CornwallLive readers and many locals are expressing concerns about safety. The lights are being turned off from midnight until 5am, with more areas set to be affected as the scheme rolls out throughout the year.

An interactive map has been provided by the council to show which areas will be affected, partly to save money. However, some residents, particularly women in Callington, have expressed fears about going out at night due to the "street lights curfew". Read that full story here.

One local resident said: "Women in our town are being put at risk just so the council can save a few quid. I'm not sure they've thought this through."

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READ MORE:Women in Callington scared to go out because of 'street lights curfew'

The council aims to become carbon neutral by 2030, but Councillor Richard Williams-Pears, portfolio holder for transport, acknowledged that safety concerns have been raised during the first phase of the initiative.

Commenter Cornhead wonders: “With modern technology surely any street light would be better served by putting a solar panel on the top with led lighting l have solar light in my garden l know that this time of year energy stored only lasts an hour or so, but the panels are small about two inches square. But a bigger panel would store more energy and the cost would surely be less? Once it's done it’s free.”

CornishBod say: “To be honest, the decision makers couldn't care less about the environment. This is all about money. I'll believe they care about the environment when they bring empty properties, second homes and Airbnbs back into use as family homes, rather than ripping up fields, countryside and woodland to build more.”

Triggerandhisdoggo agrees: “Yes, because switching a few lights off in Cornwall will definitely counteract the climate effects of India opening a new coal power station. Green is a con.”

Gully demands: “A pro rata refund on my council tax please. I also think an FoI request is in order after 12 months to see if there has been an increase in assaults and burglaries.”

Pogue Mahone adds: “Nationally, there's been a huge increase in night time assaults on women, so turning street lights off seems ideal!”

EggSlam agrees: “Profit over people.”

Claptnei says: “Good, love them being off. Most people are in bed so there is no need for them to be on after midnight.”

Pohenegamook agrees: “It’s not logical to have street lights blazing away when there is virtually no-one around and torches & headlights have existed for decades.”

Woody-1961 replies: “20 to 50 watts for your average street light is hardly "blazing away" more a gentle glow. Maybe candles to light our homes eh? In our overpopulated criminally infested towns, honest tax paying people have a right to feel safe. Why were the lights put there in the first place?”

Sc-12 adds: “A lot of people do start their jobs later or are walking home late from work or a night out or like me called out in the early hours if their elderly parent needs them for some reason! And I'm not the only one lots of people do. I walk in the middle of the road to avoid anyone that might be lurking in the hedges! If our street lights are being turned off it will make me worry a little more. Just because you might be tucked up in bed by 10pm doesn't mean everybody else is!”

How do you feel about the street lights being switched off? Good for the environment or a risk to safety? Have your say in our comments section.

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