Street lighting

Most UK councils introduced LED street lighting without consultation or considering its impact on public health and the environment. Research published by LightAware in 2021, based on our survey of over 120 councils, found that although more than 97 per cent of councils have installed LED street lighting, only 30 per cent consulted their residents beforehand and less than half piloted its introduction.

In most cases, councils installed blue-rich LEDs despite the prior publication of scientific reports and procurement guidance by the EU and other health agencies warning of their adverse health and environmental impacts, including being the most damaging form of light for people with light sensitivity conditions. These blue-rich bulbs make up around three-quarters of street lighting in the UK.

LightAware calls on the UK Government to:

• require all new and replacement street lighting to meet best practice guidance, including a 2700 K (soft white) limit, and set a timescale for the phase-out of especially harmful blue-rich lights.
• require local authorities to carry out full health and disability impact assessments prior to any proposed streetlight work.
• require local authorities to identify light-sensitive residents and take steps to ensure they are not socially excluded, including retaining conventional street lighting in their neighbourhood.

LightAware LED Street lighting report

The report was based on a freedom of information request sent to 120 councils, scientific literature and a survey of light-sensitive people.

 

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LightAware LED Street lighting report Executive Summary

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