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Street light cuts attacked by Labour | Street light cuts attacked by Labour |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Street lights are being switched off or dimmed to save money in three-quarters of England's council areas, according to Labour Party research. | Street lights are being switched off or dimmed to save money in three-quarters of England's council areas, according to Labour Party research. |
The party said much of Britain was being "plunged into darkness", claiming the number of lights switched off had "soared" in recent years. | The party said much of Britain was being "plunged into darkness", claiming the number of lights switched off had "soared" in recent years. |
It comes after councils warned of "huge financial challenges" after next year's government grants were announced. | It comes after councils warned of "huge financial challenges" after next year's government grants were announced. |
Ministers say it was for councils to "make the right call" on spending. | |
In recent years, authorities across the UK have been switching off street lighting after midnight, to varying degrees, to save money. | In recent years, authorities across the UK have been switching off street lighting after midnight, to varying degrees, to save money. |
Safety concerns | Safety concerns |
The move is opposed by motoring groups, with the AA saying it has contributed to car crashes. | The move is opposed by motoring groups, with the AA saying it has contributed to car crashes. |
But the Campaign to Protect Rural England has previously called for more councils to dim lights to "reduce the impact of light pollution". | But the Campaign to Protect Rural England has previously called for more councils to dim lights to "reduce the impact of light pollution". |
Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has previously said switching off street lights can save a "phenomenal amount of money" and cut crime. | Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has previously said switching off street lights can save a "phenomenal amount of money" and cut crime. |
Labour said 141 of the 150 English councils responsible for street lighting had responded to its survey, with 50 switching off some lights at night. | Labour said 141 of the 150 English councils responsible for street lighting had responded to its survey, with 50 switching off some lights at night. |
A total of 106 councils were either switching off or dimming some lights, it said, claiming the numbers had increased sharply since 2010. | A total of 106 councils were either switching off or dimming some lights, it said, claiming the numbers had increased sharply since 2010. |
Hilary Benn, shadow communities and local government secretary, said: "Street lights ensure that people are safe on our roads and feel safe walking home, especially at this time of the year when the nights have drawn in. | Hilary Benn, shadow communities and local government secretary, said: "Street lights ensure that people are safe on our roads and feel safe walking home, especially at this time of the year when the nights have drawn in. |
"Our research shows however that significant areas of Britain have been plunged into darkness since May 2010 as a result of David Cameron and Eric Pickles' policies." | "Our research shows however that significant areas of Britain have been plunged into darkness since May 2010 as a result of David Cameron and Eric Pickles' policies." |
A number of local authorities are switching to energy-efficient LED street lights as an alternative to switching them off. | A number of local authorities are switching to energy-efficient LED street lights as an alternative to switching them off. |
'Careful choices' | |
Last week ministers said English councils would face an average cut of 1.8% in their overall spending power next year. Councils said the amount they receive from central government was being cut by 8.8%. | Last week ministers said English councils would face an average cut of 1.8% in their overall spending power next year. Councils said the amount they receive from central government was being cut by 8.8%. |
Joe Irvin, chief executive of charity Living Streets, which campaigns for pedestrians, said: "Our own survey found insufficient or broken street lighting or lighting turned off was an issue for over a quarter of people. | |
"It makes them feel unsafe and deters them from walking." | |
Local Government Minister Kris Hopkins said: "Local councils will know their communities far better than a minister in Whitehall. | |
"They need to make the right and careful choices - issues around street lighting and road lighting and making sure individuals as they're walking about are safe is important to consider. | |
"But actually it will be a local determination. It will be by people who understand their communities to make the right call." |