and please, keep that crap turned off. end the light pollution forever.
Theoretically it should increase safety.
During crisis in 2008 my local council in UK decided to adopt ”green strategy” along with cutting costs and stopped fixing broken street lights. Over the years bulbs ( in wide meaning) went unreplaced, posts hit by vehicles were just removed, only landmark lightning was switch off intentionally, everything went dark gradually. Of course as fallout of crisis poverty went up, but also street crime, local vandalism increased, small street architecture like bins, benches, playground equipment were damaged- at the cost much greater to be replace later than savings from that campaign ( of course it was planned, to create spending in a future when funds became less tight), however todays action is not as much as about money as much as access to, and availability of, energy.
The worst effect was on society: streets became less safe, especially for poorest unable to drive, petty crime turn people off streets ( as even the best CCTV couldn’t be used as proof in court as it recorded just various shades of grey), people had been forced caring torches to be seen by drivers and avoid potholes and kerbs ( but giving advances to criminals to be warned about approaching them) and adjusted socialising and normal go-by traying to avoid being outside without valid reason. It did limit people greatly, and affected small local economy ( apart taxis and private transport), as even going out, late shopping, socialising, visiting friends or family was based around consideration how to get there and back safely. It was not pleasant experience, of course done in great intention, but darkened moods of people as it became semi- permanent state for nearly decade, after which those (when possible) changes were reversed.
Perfect for criminal activity.
I live in the US and my town does not believe in street lights, unless it’s absolutely necessary. It’s the weirdest and spookiest thing, especially coming from Europe with well lit streets. Even small side streets had better lighting then some of the major roads here. It’s doable, but who can feel safe like that, especially in a walking culture.
5 comments
and please, keep that crap turned off. end the light pollution forever.
Theoretically it should increase safety.
During crisis in 2008 my local council in UK decided to adopt ”green strategy” along with cutting costs and stopped fixing broken street lights. Over the years bulbs ( in wide meaning) went unreplaced, posts hit by vehicles were just removed, only landmark lightning was switch off intentionally, everything went dark gradually. Of course as fallout of crisis poverty went up, but also street crime, local vandalism increased, small street architecture like bins, benches, playground equipment were damaged- at the cost much greater to be replace later than savings from that campaign ( of course it was planned, to create spending in a future when funds became less tight), however todays action is not as much as about money as much as access to, and availability of, energy.
The worst effect was on society: streets became less safe, especially for poorest unable to drive, petty crime turn people off streets ( as even the best CCTV couldn’t be used as proof in court as it recorded just various shades of grey), people had been forced caring torches to be seen by drivers and avoid potholes and kerbs ( but giving advances to criminals to be warned about approaching them) and adjusted socialising and normal go-by traying to avoid being outside without valid reason. It did limit people greatly, and affected small local economy ( apart taxis and private transport), as even going out, late shopping, socialising, visiting friends or family was based around consideration how to get there and back safely. It was not pleasant experience, of course done in great intention, but darkened moods of people as it became semi- permanent state for nearly decade, after which those (when possible) changes were reversed.
Perfect for criminal activity.
I live in the US and my town does not believe in street lights, unless it’s absolutely necessary. It’s the weirdest and spookiest thing, especially coming from Europe with well lit streets. Even small side streets had better lighting then some of the major roads here. It’s doable, but who can feel safe like that, especially in a walking culture.