French law is making it illegal for firms to leave their lighting on overnight. Across many areas of the UK, nighttime switch-offs are being rolled out across the country, attracting a mixture of criticism and applause. However, what if you don't want to switch off your lights overnight or if perhaps you need them on for long periods of the day?
While many people have welcomed the French decision to implement a law forbidding companies from leaving their lights on at night, many others have voiced security concerns - and the same is true of switch-off projects in the UK. Just recently, the Bexhill-on-Sea Observer ran a story entitled 'Unpopular streetlights turn-off has already begun', describing the plan as "controversial" and having faced "opposition from many local people".
One of the main reasons for people objecting to these nighttime switch-offs appears to be concerns regarding a potential rise in crime and vandalism, combined with the fact that poor visibility may lead to more accidents for elderly road users - both in and out of vehicles - and other drivers not paying enough attention when behind the wheel.
Homeowners who regularly leave outdoor lighting switched on during the hours of darkness may feel that it is a necessary security measure and that consequently they are reluctant to switch it off at night. After all, recent figures from Aviva revealed that during British summer time there is a 20 per cent rise in shed and garage thefts. During July and August, this increases to 30 per cent more garden robberies than at the start of the year.
However, one measure that people could take would be to fit motion sensors on their garden and porch lights. That way, the lights needn't be on all of the time but yet will still serve their intended purpose and switch on when needed. Furthermore, the sensor will act as an awareness device - if you see lights flick on, you know someone is outside.
Another way to reduce your electricity bill and carbon footprint without necessarily turning off the lights would be to install some lower voltage units or to use a dimming switch to bring down the amount of power being consumed by each fitting. Especially at night, a lower light intensity is likely to be just as effective, as not enough light will be needed as during the day.
