Call For More Details On How ‘Dim’ Streetlights Could Reduce To

The Leader of Harborough District Council wants more information about just how dim streetlights will be if cost-cutting plans go-ahead.

Leicestershire County Council is proposing to reduce lighting levels to 30% after 8pm, but will carry out a full consultation with the public and emergency services before making a final decision.

The authority claims people will not notice any difference but, but Cllr Phil Knowles says some residents will be concerned from a safety point of view:

Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport at Leicestershire County Council, said: “Most people won’t notice any difference. It’s a simple step and it saves money.  We already dim our lights so this proposal is looking at establishing minimum lighting levels.

“I want to be clear that we’re not proposing to turn off the lights completely so there’ll still be visibility and it shouldn’t impact on related issues, such as crime.

“The proposal also acknowledges that light pollution contributes to an increase in carbon emissions.”

Streetlights Across Harborough Could Be Dimmed To Save Cash