Coventry’s street lighting policy leaves residents ‘blacked out’

Coventry’s streets have started to go dark overnight as the city council enforces its policy of turning off street lights after midnight.

The authority said the policy would save £700,000 a year in energy costs and cut carbon emissions by around a fifth.

“I can’t see very well in low light and I have a very limited view of parked cars and people dressed in color,” said Chris Reynolds.

Rosalyn Joul added: “There are a lot of old age pensioners and I don’t think it’s safe.”

A company has started handing out torches to some of its neighbors to help those arriving or leaving their homes during nighttime power outages.

Andy Hawkins of Franklin and Hawkins Funeral Director said: “We know a lot of residents. We’ve been here for a long time and we’re doing everything we can to help people.”

His wife and colleague Ann added: “Out here on these residential streets you could be three or four minutes from your house.

“You can’t always guarantee parking outside your house and I think for everyone it’s a concern, but especially for women.”

John Seddon, the council’s strategic officer for policy and innovation, said: “We have specifically targeted the shutdown so that it is when activity is at its lowest.”

“We could take £700,000 off our highways maintenance bill and spend less on filling potholes, but there are other safety implications, other customer service implications,” he added.