UK: Street lights to be switched off at midnight

The Telegraph ^ | 2/11/08

[bruinbirdman]

Street lights in suburban areas are to be switched off after midnight as part of council plans to save energy.

A series of trial blackouts will be carried out over the next few weeks by local authorities in the Home Counties, Hampshire and Essex among others.

Buckinghamshire council is reported to be switching off more than 1,700 lights along 25 miles of road in an attempt to meet energy targets.

It says the scheme will save £100,000 and reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 600 tons a year.

If the trials are successful, all street lamps across the country could be turned off between midnight and 5am.

Other areas taking part in the scheme include Maldon and Uttlesford in Essex, while parts of Hampshire have already carried out pilots.

Residents' groups, police organisations and motoring groups have expressed fear that the darkness could cause increases in crime and road traffic accidents.

A spokesman for the Local Government Association said: "The councils are considering these schemes to both reduce their energy budget and cut down on emissions.

"Areas where street lights will be turned off will be on routes there is little need for them."

[Democrap]

Seems some of you folks are very afraid of the dark. The only thing I can suggest, is hanging more lights on your house, maybe a few searchlights might help you feel better, or give that that secure feeling.

I feel very secure thank you. My gun permit is good in all 50 states (57 if your an Obama supporter) and we don't have street lights where I live in fact we don't have a street to light.

Tell me why is it that large cities put more police officers on the street (marked beat units not traffic cars) from 9 PM to 3 AM by over lapping the late swing and grave shifts?

[Liberal Bob]

July 1977

The police made 3,776 arrests, although from all accounts, many thousands escaped before being caught. 1,037 fires burned throughout the City, six times the average rate. Time magazine called a "night of terror."

http://www.blackout.gmu.edu/events/tl1977.html

[Democrap]

Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said about 850 arrests had been made overnight, compared with about 950 on most nights.

LOL you forgot to mention that they put 3000 more cops on the street :)