[ATMoB-discuss] Light Pollution Control in Essex County (England)

[Mario E. Motta]

Hello all,

      We are still working on getting light pollution control here in 
parts of Essex County (Gloucester, MA). Came across this from Kelly 
Beatty. An article on light pollution control in the original Essex 
County, England that is.

Mario Motta

STREET LIGHTS TO BE SWITCHED OFF IN SOME AREAS
BY MICHAEL COVENTRY

10:30 - 19 July 2006
A New scheme aimed at saving energy and reducing CO2 emissions and light 
pollution is being piloted in Essex. Currently the county council's 
policy is to keep streetlights on throughout the hours of darkness 
regardless of where they are.

In the face of increasing concern about the disadvantages of light 
pollution and the need to conserve energy the council is revising its 
attitude.

Maldon and Uttlesford have been selected for the pilot project which 
will see street lights automatically switched off between 12midnight and 
5am where it has been deemed appropriate to do so.

If the scheme proves successful then the county council says it could be 
expanded to other parts, including Brentwood, Billericay and Wickford.

Cabinet member for highways and transportation Cllr Rodney Bass said: 
"We have reviewed our use of energy and recognise that whilst it will 
clearly be appropriate for all night lighting to remain in certain areas 
it is wasteful for this practice to be generally applied across the county.

"Essex is a large and diverse county and it is sensible for us to work 
in ways which are flexible enough to recognise this. As a council we 
take very seriously our responsibility to take local action on global 
environmental issues.

"We encourage all Essex residents to think about the impact of their 
personal actions and we expect out staff to be equally responsible about 
saving energy."

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Essex Police has a strong relationship 
with Essex County Council particularly within the Crime Disorder 
Reduction Partnership (CDRP).

"The county council has given a clear undertaking to consult Essex 
Police on a case by case basis as to whether switching off lights will 
have an impact on crime and disorder, road policing and road safety."

Leader of the Council Lord Hanningfield said: "Our goal will be to fully 
consult with district and parish councils and the police in taking this 
forward.

"We are confident we will be able to reach common sense agreements on 
what is right for our individual towns and villages."