Street light cuts attacked by Labour

22 December 2014 Last updated at 00:44

Street lights are being switched off or dimmed to save money in three-quarters of England's council areas, according to Labour Party research.

The party said much of Britain was being "plunged into darkness", claiming the number of lights switched off had "soared" in recent years.

It comes after councils warned of "huge financial challenges" after next year's government grants were announced.

Ministers say services have been maintained despite spending cuts.

In recent years, authorities across the UK have been switching off street lighting after midnight, to varying degrees, to save money.

Safety concerns

The move is opposed by motoring groups, with the AA saying it has contributed to car crashes.

But the Campaign to Protect Rural England has previously called for more councils to dim lights to "reduce the impact of light pollution".

Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has previously said switching off street lights can save a "phenomenal amount of money" and cut crime.

Labour said 141 of the 150 English councils responsible for street lighting had responded to its survey, with 50 switching off some lights at night.

A total of 106 councils were either switching off or dimming some lights, it said, claiming the numbers had increased sharply since 2010.

'Plunged into darkness'

Hilary Benn, shadow communities and local government secretary, said: "Street lights ensure that people are safe on our roads and feel safe walking home, especially at this time of the year when the nights have drawn in.

"Our research shows however that significant areas of Britain have been plunged into darkness since May 2010 as a result of David Cameron and Eric Pickles' policies."

A number of local authorities are switching to energy-efficient LED street lights as an alternative to switching them off.

Last week ministers said English councils would face an average cut of 1.8% in their overall spending power next year. Councils said the amount they receive from central government was being cut by 8.8%.

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