Take action

Good lighting used on a motorway. Photo: CfDS image library

Use the new law on light pollution
The worst kind of light pollution is about to become a Statutory Nuisance. This could be an important new weapon.

Write to the Government
More than two years ago, Government said it would consider issuing official planning policy on light pollution, in the form of a special Annexe to its Planning Policy Statement 23: Planning and Pollution Control. This was one of our key main goals of our Night Blight! campaign. Such a policy could be an important means of controlling the spread of light pollution, telling local planners and developers what was and wasn't acceptable for exterior lighting. But the policy has not been issued — and there is no date set for when it will be. Write to the Government asking them to write an effective light pollution annexe to PPS 23 which really will help to control the spread of light pollution.

Make sure your outdoor lights aren't wasteful
Angle your lights downwards, use minimum wattage bulbs, fit hoods or shields to minimise light spill and only switch them on when needed. Then, approach your neighbours and ask them to do the same. When purchasing exterior lights, buy those that have been designed with a view to minimising light pollution.

Good lighting: downward controlled security light Photo: B Mizon, CfDS image library

Speak with your local council
Local authorities are responsible for lighting most of the road network and have an important influence as planning authorities, so they are important allies in this campaign. Distribute regional maps and our summary leaflet to your local authority and urge it to make policies which restrict light pollution if they don't already have any. If your council already has such a policy, find out how well it's being enforced. You can campaign at the county and regional levels, too.

Speak with DIY retailers
Ask local DIY superstores to stock security lights that minimise light pollution and to offer pamphlets that show customers how to install lights in ways that minimise light pollution.

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