Issue - meetings

Following scrutiny, members were supportive of the the details of the proposed Part-Night Lighting proposal.

The Cabinet Member for Streetscene Cllr Scott Jones gave the committee some background on the report. Members were advised that there was a substantial energy rate rise in the last two years which has put a large pressure on departmental budgets. Members were informed that that during 2023/24, the Public Street Lighting Department highlighted 3 potential energy saving strategy to limit the overspend.

3-Watt trimming of power levels was applied to every street light column and following cabinet approval on the 22nd of March 20, 2024, 25% dimming was implemented across 10,000 LED lanterns. Prior to cabinet approval of 25% dimming a public consultation was then undertaken alongside a successful trial in 2024.

The Cabinet member advised that the third option of part night lighting was postponed pending a pilot study to gain a better understanding of the impacts of saving strategies and thereby to enable evidence-based decisions to be made in the future, if need be.

Members were reminded that they as a committee, prior to a trial taking place, had requested to the Cabinet Board that a further report containing details of geographical locations, duration of the trial period and the off and on times of the lanterns as presented in the report.

The Cabinet member noted that in the March Scrutiny meeting members had advocated concerns around turning street lighting off at 9:00 PM in the evening, which could impact the vulnerability of women and girls and explained that concern had been taken that on board, and that it is reflected in the timings and reflection of the concerns that was raised previously.

It was also stated that the consultation would be undertaken as part of a pilot study prior to the commencement of the trial and will include an assessment of the impact upon women and young girls in terms of violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

The Cabinet member confirmed that consultation with those partners has commenced and that if the proposed part night lighting pilot is approved by the cabinet it will run for the duration of November, which includes in its totality of 133 lanterns over seven locations.

The lanterns will be switched off between the hours of 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM and following completions of the pilot results and feedback from stakeholders will be gathered ready for any future discussions or any larger trial.

Members were advised that as part of the consultation process that agencies and affected residents will be informed prior to the start of the pilot scheme and Scrutiny and member feedback will also be considered as part of the finalised report due in September.

Officers explained that picking the locations have been a difficult process as it is a sensitive issue but has had to be done as a part of the trial.

Members were advised that this could be a prequel to a further trial at a later date of more lighting switch offs and that will incur further consultation.

Officers explained that they have also  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5