Artificial light is essential in our modern society. However, the increased use of lighting can cause problems. Light in the wrong place at the wrong time can be intrusive, for example a poorly angled security light that shines into a neighbours property.

Skyglow is the orange glow seen over towns and roads from upward light. This is a serious problem for astronomers as the artificial brightness of the sky overpowers distant stars, especially those low in the night sky.

The Environmental Protection Section is receiving more service requests each year about lighting, mainly from poorly angled security lights that cause annoyance to residents in neighbouring properties. Before you install lighting consider:

• Is it really needed?
• Does the light need to be on all night?
• What level of lighting is required?
• The right adjustment of security lighting so that they only pick up the movement of persons in the area intended and not beyond.

Lighting will then only become a problem if it is poorly designed or incorrectly installed.

The Law

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 amends the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to include statutory nuisance from artificial light.

However this does not include light emitted from the following premises. These are premises used for transport purposes and other premises where high levels of light are required for safety and security reasons, i.e.;

• Airports
• Harbours
• Railway premises
• Tramway premises
• Bus stations and associated facilities
• Public service vehicle operating centres
• Goods vehicle operating centres
• Lighthouses
• Prisons
• Premises occupied for Defence purposes

New developments

The best method of dealing with light pollution is at the planning stage. This is an ideal time to influence the design or installation of lighting schemes. If you are bothered by light, try approaching your neighbour to discuss the problem and come to a solution.

If this does not resolve the problem and you would either like further information or wish to make a complaint you can contact the Environmental Protection Service.

For further information on light pollution please go to www.nsca.org.uk