More street lights to be switched off in Cornwall | News

They are set to turn off between 12:00 and 5:00 to save energy costs

Several parts of Cornwall will have their street lights switched off between midnight and 5am.

It will happen in Carbis Bay, St Columb Major, St Neot and Treverbyn Parish in the latest phase of a Cornwall Council project.

The authority says it is to reduce carbon emissions, reduce light pollution to help restore nature and encourage nocturnal wildlife, protect designated dark sky areas and save money on energy costs.

Street lights will remain on or be dimmed between midnight and 5am to reduce light pollution, in locations such as

Traffic signal intersections, pedestrian crossings, subways, some roundabouts and intersections

Parts of city centers and footpaths that are still relatively busy at night

On certain roads where there is calming and speeding traffic

Areas where there is CCTV or police surveillance equipment

Entrances and exits to hospitals, police, ambulance and fire

“Safety comes first”

The council’s portfolio holder for transport, Richard Williams-Pears said: “To date 4,918 of the council’s street lights have been dimmed or switched off. This number will increase to 5,898 in the next phase.

“I want to reassure residents that safety is at the forefront of any decision to turn off street lights. Before embarking on this initiative, we consulted with the Safer Cornwall Partnership, who continue to monitor the situation closely and pass on any concerns. We will not compromise on safety, as risk assessments have shown that street lights are still beneficial, they will be kept on or dimmed once new LED bulbs are installed.”

“Risk assessments will continue to be conducted and data shared with local stakeholders. Any concerns and requests, including requests from parish and town councils for areas where they wish to see street lights switched off or back on, are fully considered.”

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