In a post late last year, I set out Kent County Council's "safe and sensible street lighting" policy, intended to deliver financial savings of £1 million per year and a reduction in carbon emissions. This started with the switching off of many streetlights between the hours of midnight and 5:30 AM, so-called "part-night lighting". This came into effect in the Sevenoaks area just before Christmas.
As I mentioned at that time, the second element of the policy was to embark on a trial full switch-off of some lights that are adjudged redundant and would not be newly installed under today's policies. During consultation, I asked for some of the proposals for the switch-off on roads in Darent Vally to be withdrawn and this was done. However, there will be some lights switched off in Darent Valley, notably on Main Road near Farningham and on Goldsel Road on the approach to Crockenhill. This will take place by the end of this month, though it will be on a trial basis.
"Part-night lighting" remains a cause for concern for some residents, notably in Swanley. I hope to meet a number of concerned residents in the near future. The policy will be reviewed in particular areas if there is evidence of a significant increase in crime or accidents that could plausibly be linked to the new policy. I understand from Kent Police that data will be available in a matter of weeks, and that it will be very detailed, going down to individual street level.
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