Dan Peters 05 August 2014

Council criticised for keeping lights on

A council that turns off streetlights late at night has been criticised for not hitting the switch hours earlier to mark the First World War.

Hertfordshire CC has come under fire from residents and organisations including the AA, which has blamed the part-night lighting policy for an increase in road crashes.

UK residents were last night invited to turn off their lights from 10pm to 11pm, leaving on a single light or candle for a shared moment of reflection.

This prompted resident Michele Perry to ask the council in a tweet why it was happy to switch streetlights off at midnight to cut costs but not to allow time for reflection.

The council replied that its 144,000 streetlights automatically turned off at midnight and it ‘was not possible’ to switch off the lights for an hour.

It added that it commemorated the First World War earlier in the day by lowering the flag at its headquarters in Hertford.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner