Cost cutting could leave county in the dark (From Western Telegraph)

Cost cutting could leave county in the dark

3:00pm Wednesday 10th September 2008 in

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Higher energy bills could lead to street lighting in Pembrokeshire being switched off to save money.

A huge jump in electricity costs for the county’s street lamps has meant serious consideration may be given to the option of drastically reducing the ‘burning hours’ for around 95% of Pembrokeshire’s lights.

A report by the County Council’s director of transportation and environment states: “It is not considered desirable to extinguish lighting in town centres, and it is considered inadvisable to switch off lighting that has been installed in connection with safety schemes.

“However, it would be practical to to consider that the remaining lighting could be extinguished at midnight and re-lit at 5:30am.”

The report will be considered at the county council’s environment overview and scrutiny committee meeting tomorrow (Thursday).

The review of street lighting in Pembroke-shire predicts the effects of a crippling 35.78% price increase in energy costs, which could take the total energy bill for 2008/2009 up to £436,004 — a massive £67,324 over budget. Switching street lamps off could make an annual saving of 2,000 hours, or £198,200.

Legislative requirements state that street lighting is provided to improve road safety, reduce crime, reduce fear of crime and increase public safety.

The cuts suggested in the report were met with some concern from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which campaigns for personal safety.

Chief executive Steve Gauge said: “We always advise people to stick to well-lit streets in order to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of violent crime.

“It’s really very unhelpful when cash-strapped local councils resort to cutting the lights and plunging local residents back into the dark ages. Well designed, well lit public spaces can help keep people safe.”

He added: “Cutting corners on public safety can be a false economy when you start counting the costs associated with crime and the fear of crime.”