Street Lighting Petition Gains Nearly 500 Signatures
Lib Dems say Ealing Council took decision to dim lights without consultation
Connie Hersch says light dimming has increased risk of serious crime
A petition asking Ealing Council to reverse its policy of dimming street lights at night has reached nearly 500 signatures just a few days after it was launched.
The Liberal Democrats in the borough set up the petition due to concerns about women’s safety. A year ago there was an attempted murder of a woman on Acton Green in Chiswick .
Following this the local party commissioned a study on Women’s Safety and it come up with two main recommendations - to reverse the light dimming and for the local police team to patrol in a more visible way.
They also point to studies that show light dimming increases crime. One such study published in 2019 showed that better street lighting was linked with a 39% reduction in crime whilst other studies demonstrate an impact on rates of robbery, vehicle crime, arson and anti-social behaviour. Moreover, it is claimed that poor street lighting raises people's fear of crime and concerns for their own personal safety.
Ealing Council made the decision to dim street lights at night to save on energy cost but the Lib Dems say it did this without any consultation.
Liberal Democrat Ealing Common community campaigner Connie Hersch in said: "Ealing Liberal Democrats have been listening to local people who tell us they need better street lighting at night. Many people in Ealing work late-night shifts and value the lighting after midnight especially those who work in the hospitality sector. Many people, especially those who feel vulnerable, say that they do not want to travel or walk around on their own.
"We ask that Labour's Ealing Council stops dimming street lights at night so people feel safer and to reduce the chance of serious incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities. It is a disgrace they did not consult on this vital local issue."
A council spokesperson said, “We keep our street lighting levels under review, especially within parks and cut throughs, and work with the community safety team to address any areas of concern. We began a conversation with women and girls in the borough back in December when we launched our women’s safety survey. The survey has now closed (4 February) and we received 2,800 completed surveys. Those responses now need to be analysed and once completed we will look at what actions may be taken in response.
“The use of low-energy LED lights has reduced the borough’s carbon emissions and light pollution. Inspections have found that all streets were illuminated to the same levels, however women’s feeling of safety and security in the borough is our priority.”
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March 14, 2022