Light Polution Petition Gov. replies.....

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/starry-night/

http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page12270.asp

he Government recognises the fact that outdoor lighting has increased
significantly over the past 30 years and we are working to tackle the
problem through better planning, energy efficiency, improved street lighting
and more effective local authority enforcement.

The night sky over England is more brightly lit than any other European
country, with the exception only of the Netherlands. This is certainly
reducing our ability to view and enjoy the night sky, and this has
implications for astronomers, stargazers and wildlife alike. The wasted
energy from unnecessary lighting is also contributing to dangerous climate
change.

In 2003, a Parliamentary Select Committee on Science and Technology held an
enquiry into light pollution and astronomy to consider the effectiveness of
measures taken to reduce the impact of light pollution on astronomy. A
number of sources of light pollution were considered, including street
lighting, domestic and industrial security lighting, and the floodlighting
of sports facilities and buildings.

A number of recommendations were made, including better use of the planning
process and the extension of the statutory nuisance regime to include light.
The Government, broadly welcoming the Committee's recommendations, are
working to reduce the amount of light pollution from premises and street
lighting and have given local authorities stronger powers to take action
against artificial lighting on premises and unwanted glares from security
lighting.

The adverse effect of some external lighting is well known, and a Transport
White Paper, published in 1998, stated that 'where lighting is essential, it
should be designed in such a way that nuisance is reduced and the effect on
the night sky in the countryside minimised" . In the past, much street
lighting has been provided by low-pressure sodium lighting units, and this
often leads to an orange sky glow. Newer technologies, and in particular
high-pressure sodium lighting units, allow much finer control of the light
distribution and a reduction in the amount of light directed towards the
sky.

As a response to this White Paper, highway authorities are now encouraged to
consider using high-pressure, or other light sources allowing more precise
light control, when installing new lighting or updating older lighting
schemes. The Government also announced £600 million Private Initiative
Credits in November 2005 for street lighting schemes to help the renewal of
street lighting to help bring it in line with modern standards. Better, more
effective lighting should not only reduce light pollution, it can also help
to reduce crime and road accidents.

The Government has also given local authorities stronger powers to tackle
light pollution under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act. The Act
extended the statutory nuisance regime and enables authorities to issue
abatement notices, and individuals to take private action through the
magistrate's court. Fines, upon conviction, for non-compliance with an
abatement notice can range up to £5,000 for domestic premises, with up to
£20,000 for industrial/trade/business premises.

Since 1997, lighting has been considered as part of the planning process for
new buildings, and this applies to residential as well as commercial
premises. The Government is currently developing a good practice guidance on
use of artificial lighting on premises. We have also provided guidance to
local authorities, highway engineers and members of the public on ways to
lessen the adverse effects of external lighting. This guidance, Lighting in
the Countryside: Towards good practice, as well as other information on
light pollution, is available via the Department for Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs' website (new window).


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