The lights have dimmed…

[CharlieB]

Happy New Year's commuting everyone!

First commute of the year today - I'm certain the street lights have been dimmed by a large margin.
This is through the London Boroughs of Harrow, Brent and Camden.

I know this was mooted in the cuts discussions of last year.
My imagination or has anyone else noticed this?

If it's true, let's be careful out there!

 

[asterix]

Ah, they thought no-one would notice if they did it over Xmas!

 

[BentMikey]

I'm quite happy with this. Less visual pollution is a good thing for those of us who have decent lights. It's less good for pedestrians and bike ninjas, so perhaps my viewpoint is a little selfish!

 

[thomas]

In parts of Norwich/Norfolk they've just completely turned them off

 

[StuartG]

Are these 'turn-off' decisions subject to a risk assessment that would be obtainable under a FOI request? Might make interesting reading ...

 

[esrite]

what is a "bike ninjas"??
first time ive heard that saying

 

[rusky]

what is a "bike ninjas"??
first time ive heard that saying

A rider dressed in black with no lights

 

[mgarl10024]

I'm quite happy with this. Less visual pollution is a good thing for those of us who have decent lights. It's less good for pedestrians and bike ninjas, so perhaps my viewpoint is a little selfish!

I know in Bristol they've been talking about this for a while - in particular, switching off every other lamppost. There's opposing views from the greens who say it'll save tonnes of carbon, and the security conscious who are concerned that it'll lead to a rise in crimes.

 

[Holdsworth]

I probably would be seen to have a selfish viewpoint on this matter, with my other hobby bring amateur astronomy and all and being annoyed about all the wasted light that get chucked straight up every hour of the day to no-one's benefit. The constant illumination of industrial parks, offices and streets throughout the night when hardly anybody uses them.

I can see the need for street lighting to keep pedestrians and vulnerable road users safe, but where it is provided it should be adequately shielded to prevent light spillage, or turned off altogether.
Road users should take extra care at night to keep themselves safe and watch out for others on the road, and maybe peds and cyclists should take measures to make themselves more visible at night.

Have a look through this website and should explain the needs for controlling light pollution and debunk some widespread misconceptions about lighting and security.

http://www.britastro.org/dark-skies/index.html

 

[Paulus]

I tavel through part of the LB of Harrow, Stanmore, Hatch End and Pinner, and I would agree with CharlieB that the steet lights are not as bright as a month ago. Many councils are considering dimming or turning off the lights completely at certain times.

 

[Davidc]

It's more likely to be progressive, with lower power lamps being fitted as replacements. The most cost effective way to maintain large numbers of lights is routine regular replacement so you'd generally see streets at a time changing over as and when their lamps are replaced.

It's just about impossible to dim street lights and the like in any other way.