Street Light Switch-Off Plan Raises Crime and Safety Concerns from Police

A police official has cautioned that a proposal to deactivate street lights overnight could jeopardize public safety and erode confidence. West Berkshire Council anticipates annual savings of £50,000 by implementing a shutdown of lights in residential zones from midnight to 05:00. However, Matthew Barber, the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, has communicated his concerns to council leader Jeff Brooks regarding the potential consequences for the safety of women and vulnerable individuals. Mr. Brooks stated that the council faces “increasingly difficult decisions” due to escalating costs and its objective to achieve £1.2 million in savings during the 2025/26 fiscal year. Within the correspondence, Mr. Barber remarked: “It is interesting to note that you are currently proposing these changes only in residential areas and not in town centres around the night time economy.“This seems to suggest that you do recognise the benefits of street lighting to keeping people safe and making them feel safe – but only in certain locations. We know that both the fear of crime and the actual risk are not limited to town centres itself.” Mr. Brooks indicated that his council’s proposed measures would prioritize vulnerable residents and aim to reduce the effect on its essential services. He informed the BBC: “We are having to consider measures that will assist us in making the financial savings necessary to balance our budget and ensure that we prioritise the help that our vulnerable residents need. “However, we are consulting on these measures, and we will take all responses very seriously once the consultation period ends on 23 December. “The Police and Crime Commissioner’s comments will be very well considered in our deliberations as will all other responses. “Nothing is decided and we welcome all comments – these are very important decisions.” In a separate development, Slough Borough Council stated that its initiative to dim street lights during nighttime hours would likely go “unnoticed by most people”. Following approval by councillors last month, the plan involves operating lights at 50% brightness from dusk until 22:00, 40% between 22:00 and midnight, and 30% from midnight until dawn. Oxfordshire County Council had previously detailed a proposal to deactivate the majority of its 60,000 street lights during the night. This plan was subsequently halted due to public outcry regarding safety concerns, including those voiced by Mr. Barber.