Street Light Policy

Adopted 23 June 2025
Next Review Date: June 2026 (PS&S)

A copy of this document is also available in different formats such as large print, Braille, audio or in a different language. Please contact the office if this is required.

Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Key Objectives
  3. Implementation
  4. Online Streetlight Reporting Form
  5. Conclusion
  6. Appendix 1 – Risk Assessment

1. Introduction

Perranzabuloe Parish Council (PPC) is committed to aligning its street lighting policy with the principles in Cornwall Council’s Street Lighting Operational Policy, wherever practical. This alignment is driven by our collective responsibility to address the pressing concerns of our time, including the Climate Emergency declaration made by PPC in December 2019 and Cornwall Council’s ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Additionally, our commitment to reducing light pollution, as advocated by organisations like Buglife, plays a pivotal role in shaping our street light policy. It is important to note that street lighting is not a Statutory Legal Obligation of PPC.

2. Key Objectives

(a) Reducing Carbon Footprint
As part of our response to the Climate Emergency, PPC aims to reduce energy consumption related to street lighting. It will implement energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LED warm light bulbs on timers.

(b) Timed Lighting
PPC recognises the importance of timed street lighting to meet community needs while minimising energy waste. It will adhere to the practice of switching off highway lighting at 11pm and turning it on again at 6am, aligning with Cornwall Council’s policy1.

(c) Light Pollution Reduction
PPC is dedicated to curbing light pollution to protect our natural environment and enhance the quality of life for residents. This objective is informed by the research and recommendations of organisations such as the Perranzabuloe Neighbourhood Development Plan (Section 6, 6.2.5 Dark Skies and Policy NE9), Cornwall Council and Buglife. All lights will be fitted with a shade.

3. Implementation

To achieve these objectives, PPC will:

(a) Collaborate closely with Cornwall Council to ensure a coordinated and efficient approach to street lighting management (including risk assessment).

(b) Create an online street light reporting form, so that lights that are not working can be reported and a request made for repair. (See section 4 below regarding procedures for reporting.)

(c) Where repair/maintenance is agreed, installation of LED warm light bulbs, which are not only energy efficient but also contribute to reduced light pollution, will be fitted.

(d) Implement an intelligent timer system that adheres to the prescribed switch on/off times — GMT: Summer 12am and 7am; Winter 11pm and 6am — where streetlights have been assessed and agreed to keep on (see online reporting form).

(e) Regularly monitor and evaluate street lighting in the Parish and identify opportunities for further improvements in efficiency and sustainability.

(f) Promote community awareness and engagement on the importance of responsible and sustainable street lighting. It will do this via a street lighting reporting online form, available on the website (see section 4 below).

1 Cornwall Council’s policy is to turn on again at 5am, but it was resolved at Council April 2025 for our lights to go back on at 6am.

4. Online Streetlight Reporting Form

PPC reiterates that street lighting is not a Statutory Legal Obligation of PPC and repair of faulty street lights will be subject to three (3) requests (limited to one per household). Each individual request for a repair must be from persons directly affected by the light. Any lights that PPC agree to repair will be fitted with warm LED bulbs, fitted with a timer to go off at 11pm and on at 6am and may include a shade if needed.

The online reporting form is available on the home page of the website: https://www.perranzabuloe-pc.gov.uk/service/street-lighting/

Details required:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Details of the light (number and location)
  • Reasons for asking PPC to repair the light and how the light affects your property

Once three requests have been received, a thorough risk assessment will be made by a PPC employee, and the risk assessment will then be reviewed at the next Public Spaces & Services Committee (see Appendix 1).

Unadopted roads: It is PPC policy not to repair any lights on unadopted roads except where there is a clear need or risk not associated with the road and pavement surface (which is the responsibility of the landowner(s)).

To check whether your road is adopted or not, please visit: Cornwall Council – Interactive Maps.

5. Conclusion

PPC’s street light policy is aligned with Cornwall Council’s Street Lighting Operational Policy and is firmly rooted in our commitment to addressing the Climate Emergency, achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, and reducing light pollution. By implementing these measures and procedures, PPC aims to create a safer, more sustainable, and environmentally responsible lighting infrastructure that benefits our community and preserves our natural surroundings for future generations.

The Policy will be reviewed at least annually, but PPC reserves the right to change this policy at any time without prior notice to reflect changes in legal requirements, organisational needs, or operational practices.

6. Appendix 1 – Risk Assessment

When deciding on whether to turn a streetlight off, a thorough risk assessment will be conducted by a PPC employee, to ensure that public safety is not compromised. The following important factors will be considered:

(a) Crime and Safety Data

  • Analysis of crime statistics for the area to determine if reduced lighting might increase criminal activity.
  • Consideration of any reports of accidents or safety concerns related to the specific street/road or location.

(b) Traffic Flow

  • Evaluation of the volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic during different times of the day and night.
  • Determination if reduced lighting could lead to increased traffic accidents or pedestrian incidents.

(c) Community Input

  • Seek input from residents, businesses, and Cornwall Council to understand any concerns and preferences regarding street lighting.

(d) Environmental Impact

  • Assess the environmental impact of reducing street lighting, such as energy savings and reduced light pollution.

(e) Safety Hazards

  • Identify potential safety hazards that may become more prominent with reduced lighting, such as poorly lit junctions, crossings, or pedestrian pathways.

(f) Emergency Response

  • Consult with emergency services (police, fire and medical) to ensure that reduced lighting will not impede their ability to respond to emergencies.

(g) Vulnerable Populations

  • Consider the needs of vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities who may rely on well-lit streets for safety.

(h) Lighting Technology

  • Evaluate the feasibility of using energy-efficient lighting technologies like LED fixtures, which can provide lower energy consumption without compromising safety.

(i) Cost-Benefit Analysis

  • Calculate the potential cost savings associated with turning off or dimming streetlights and compare them to potential safety costs.

(j) Monitoring and Adjustments

  • Implement a plan for monitoring the impact of reduced lighting and be prepared to adjust if safety concerns arise.

(k) Seasonal and Weather Variations

  • Consider how lighting needs may change with different seasons and weather conditions. For example, lighting requirements may vary during winter months or in areas prone to fog.

(l) Public Awareness

  • Inform the public about changes in street lighting and the reasons behind them to manage expectations and address concerns. This will be done via social media and the website.

(m) Legal Liability

  • Consult with legal counsel to understand PPC’s liability in case of accidents or incidents related to reduced lighting.

Ultimately, the decision to turn off or to put on a timer will be made carefully, with a comprehensive risk assessment that considers the specific characteristics and needs of the area in question. Safety will always be a top priority in such decisions, and public engagement and ongoing monitoring are key components of a successful street lighting management strategy.