The Big Switch-Off: Norwich Streets Left in the Dark

Norfolk County Council leaders are to press on with controversial plans to save cash and reduce carbon emissions by switching off around 27,000 streetlights across Norfolk and over 7,000 in Norwich itself.

The plans, which would replace lights with more efficient models and cells that switch off after 12am, have been met with strong resistance from City Councillors, including a councillor responsible for community safety and cohesion.

It would cost the County Council £274,000 over the next three years, after which the Council will save £167,000 each year.

Streetlights would be switched off between the hours of 12am and 5am in quiet residential areas with low incidents of crime and traffic accidents – these included numerous streets with high student populations. There would be exemptions for streets that have busy night-time economies and footfalls, as well as those with high rates of crime and accidents. Police crime statistics have been used to determine areas of low crime and in trials in other areas, such as Essex, there has been no record of increased crime, according to the County Council report.

Bert Bremner, executive member for Community Safety and Cohesion, voiced concerns at the scrutiny panel debating the proposal on January 6th and has called the plans dangerous and motivated solely by cost-savings.

"All over the south of the City, in the Golden Triangle, Lakenham, Tuckswood and Eaton, whole streets are to suffer a total switch off. Most of the University ward will be left in darkness… Why are we not having a one in three lights off… That would actually make for a greater saving, but without the risk of robbery, muggings or worse in our blacked out streets."

Stephen Morphew, Leader of Norwich City Council said: "[There are] concerns that reduced hours of street lighting will pose increased risks for crime and disorder and road safety and there is little evidence from elsewhere to show what these effects may be. These concerns are compounded by the very limited time provided for consultation which has prevented a detailed assessment of the potential impact of this proposal at a local level, and there has been no opportunity for any formal engagement of local elected representatives."

Adrian Gunson, the County Council’s cabinet member for planning and transportation said that lights important for community safety would not be switched off.

"We are taking into account community safety and that’s why we are looking at quiet, residential areas. My feeling is that there are very few people walking about in those areas between midnight and 5am."

"And it’s not just about money. It’s about reducing CO2 emissions. We are all seeking to save on carbon emissions and we think that’s a good way for the council to do that."

Tom Sutton, UUEAS’ Welfare Officer, said: "Without any formal comment from the police and only a limited pilot, these plans raise many concerns. It is largely young people, either travelling back from a night out or from working late, that will face the increased potential threat to their personal safety. A number of the proposed blackout areas are student areas and are already likely to be targets for crime.

"The Union is approaching local politicians with its concerns and will work to ensure students and student areas of the city will not face heightened danger as a consequence of these plans."

Norfolk Police have yet to reveal their thoughts on the plans, with a spokesperson saying only: "We are aware of the proposal and are still considering the report."

Nick Church