Leicestershire County Council Proposes Early Dimming of Street Lights to Cut Costs

Leicestershire County Council is considering a cost-cutting measure that may have a significant impact on the county’s street lighting. The proposal involves dimming the majority of street lights to 30% of their maximum brightness from 8 pm, two hours earlier than the current practice. With the council facing financial challenges, an 18-month trial of the scheme is set to begin in February, subject to approval by the authority’s cabinet on Tuesday, December 19.

Financial Challenges and Public Opinion:

The county council is under financial strain, with a need to identify £36 million in general budget cuts over the next four years and an additional £85 million to maintain stability. The proposed street light dimming has sparked mixed reactions among residents, as revealed by the results of a consultation. Concerns about crime and a general sense of vulnerability were cited by 53% of residents who opposed the plan, with 40% strongly disagreeing.

Supporters of the scheme, constituting 29% of respondents, emphasized financial savings (13%) and environmental reasons (12%) as key factors influencing their agreement. With 705 responses collected during the consultation, the council acknowledges the diverse opinions within the community.

Potential Impact and Exemptions:

Residents were also asked about the perceived impact of the proposal, with 33% feeling greatly affected, 37% to some extent, and 11% not at all. Specific exemptions have been proposed, sparing areas such as zebra crossings, vertical traffic calming features, and town centers from the earlier dimming. These exemptions are intended to mitigate the impact on public safety and accessibility.

Demographic Perspectives:

The consultation data revealed interesting demographic perspectives, with a majority of responses coming from women (62% against the plan) and 52% of male respondents opposing it. Additionally, 64% of respondents with long-term illnesses or disabilities disagreed with the proposal.

Council’s Response and Responsibilities:

Leicestershire County Council aims to save £500,000 in the street light department by the 2024/25 financial year, with the proposed scheme expected to contribute approximately £380,000 in savings. The authority emphasized that there is no legal duty to provide street lights, but once provided, they have a duty to maintain them safely. Council members assure that the proposed changes have received no objection from Leicestershire Police, East Midlands Ambulance Service, and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

Conclusion:

The upcoming decision by Leicestershire County Council on the proposed 18-month trial to dim street lights earlier reflects the delicate balance between financial constraints and public sentiment. As residents express their concerns and support, the council faces the challenging task of finding a compromise that ensures safety, respects public opinion, and addresses the pressing need for cost savings. The debate at the cabinet meeting on December 19 will likely shed light on the future of street lighting in Leicestershire.