Agenda item

Cllr Dr Pete Sudbury, Deputy Leader of the Council with Responsibility for Climate Change, Environment & Future Generations, Paul Fermer, Director of Environment and Highways, and Sean Rooney, Head of Highway Maintenance, have been invited to present a report on the Review of Street Lighting and Illuminated Assets policy framework proposals for part night lighting.

The Committee is asked to consider the report and raise any questions, and to AGREE any recommendations it wishes to make to Cabinet arising therefrom.

Cllr Dr Pete Sudbury, Deputy Leader of the Council with Responsibility for Climate Change, Environment & Future Generations, who joined online, Paul Fermer, Director of Environment and Highways, Sean Rooney, Head of Highway Maintenance, and James Dance, Team Leader (Highways Policy and Performance), were invited to present a report on the Review of Street Lighting and Illuminated Assets policy framework proposals for part night lighting.

The Deputy Leader and Head of Highway Maintenance presented the review, highlighting the need for a structured approach to part-night lighting, similar to that for the introduction of the 20-mph speed limit in various places across the county. The new proposals intended to refine and broaden the existing street lighting policy, with plans for extensive stakeholder engagement and consultation, including local communities. The implementation framework was to be tailored to local contexts and aimed to balance energy savings and environmental benefits with safety and well-being, particularly for vulnerable groups and late-night workers.

A detailed timeline for engagement and implementation was provided, targeting a Cabinet member decision in July, with a project manager appointed to oversee the inclusive consultation process.

The Chair raised a number of concerns over the implementation and decision process leading up to this point. The Head of Highway Maintenance described how key roads and roundabouts were considered for exemption from switching off lights, prioritising safety with a case-by-case approach based on consultation feedback. Support and objection would be taken into account with individual cases reviewed and decisions made by the Cabinet member under delegated decisions powers.

Parish councillors and local communities were to be engaged in the process, initiating steps similar to the 20-mph speed limit implementation, ensuring each village or town was consulted and tailored to local needs. Changes required for LED lights varied, with part-night lighting supported by existing technology, although central management systems might have needed investment if widely adopted. Cost savings depended on the number of lights and the implementation model.

The Committee raised a number of safety concerns with the policy, especially in relation to Vision Zero and crime. The Deputy Leader and the Head of Highway Maintenance explained how the part-night lighting policy aimed to align with Vision Zero by balancing safety concerns, ensuring reduced lighting did not lead to increased accidents. Studies suggested that drivers adjusted their behaviour in darker conditions, and turning off lights did not necessarily result in more accidents.

Research on reduced lighting's impact on safety and crime was mixed. Some studies indicated no increase in accidents or crime, while others found that new lighting could reduce crime by increasing visibility. Evidence-based reviews informed the consultation process.

The policy included cyclist safety education and enforcement, making cyclists more visible and promoting adherence to regulations through campaigns. This involved distributing free lights in collaboration with partners such as Oxford Fire and Rescue.

Engagement with partners played a crucial role in enhancing safety. Collaboration with Oxford Fire and Rescue, cycling groups, and other stakeholders helped implement targeted safety campaigns and ensured a comprehensive approach to road safety.

The policy acknowledged concerns from women's groups about safety in the dark and involved a female perspective in its development. The strategy engaged relevant stakeholders, including women's groups, to gather input and address specific safety needs. A female project manager led this initiative, with contributions from female staff and stakeholders ensuring diverse perspectives were considered.

Members raised concerns about the safety of women and vulnerable members of society regarding the turning off of street lights. Evidence was presented by the Deputy Leader that academic research indicated turning off street lights did not necessarily lead to increased accidents or crime, as people tended to alter their behaviour, such as moving to other well lit areas.

The discussion highlighted the need to consider the safety and well-being of women and vulnerable members of society while implementing the part-night lighting policy, taking account of light pollution, energy consumption, and benefits to wildlife.

The data on crime and accidents were used to inform policy decisions, considering changes in citizens' habits. Modifications in street lighting were assessed for their impact on activities, such as a potential decrease in nighttime outings.

The Committee inquired about some of the technical terminology used in the report, and whether any alternative terminology which would be clearer to the public had been considered. The Head of Highway Maintenance explained that dimming referred to lowering streetlight brightness during low traffic. Instant switch over described how LED lights turned on and off instantly, unlike older lights. Dynamic real-time demand involved adjusting lighting based on real-time conditions with a central system. Retrofitting meant updating existing streetlights with new technology like motion sensors. Motion-activated lights, which turned on when motion was detected, were considered as an alternative to constant lighting. These alternatives aimed to balance safety, energy savings, and environmental impact.

The Chair thanked those who attended for the item and the Committee resolved to NOTE the report.