GEM Motoring Assist has some good advice for councils. Yes, we may need to save money, but don’t turn out the lights, as it will drastically reduce road safety:
In response to the news that several councils are running trials to turn off or dim street lights in a bid to save money, road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is calling on other councils across the country not to follow suit.
GEM’s Chief Executive, David Williams MBE, comments: “Streetlights are a necessity on our roads. With winter drawing nearer, it is even more important that visibility is aided wherever possible, not reduced. I understand there is a need to cut down on carbon emissions, but to dim or turn off street lights, bollards and signs in the hours of darkness is dangerous and not advisable.”
David continues: “Poor weather, decreased visibility and bad road conditions during winter not only increase the risk of accidents but also contribute to a rise in breakdown situations, which in turn are more hazardous in dark and wintry conditions. Further decreasing lighting on roads will put road users in even more danger and significantly compromise road safety. In addition, those returning home late at night on foot will be much less conspicuous. In terms of personal safety, street lights make residents feel safer and help prevent crime.”
David concludes: “Whatever financial pressures councils may be facing in these difficult times, putting motorists’ and other road users’ lives at risk is not the solution.”
For more information on Road Safety please visit GEM’s website www.motoringassist.com/roadsafety.
Leave a Reply