Here is part of an article taken from "Astronomy Now" magazine dated September 2007, concerning light pollution. I thought it might be a good read for those who are plagued by this Obnoxious Habit.



Earlier this year a petition was set up on the Government's petitions website asking The Prime Minister to "ensure that all exterior lights are shaded to direct their light downwards, so as to prevent light pollution obscuring the beauty of the night sky". That petition was submitted by Richard Johnson and signed by 3,379 people. This was the response from the Prime Minister's office:

"The 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 it 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 inquiry 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 where 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 of 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 this statutory nuisance regime and enables authorities to  issue abatement notices, and individuals to take private action through the Magistrate's Court. Fines, apon conviction, for non-compliance with an abatement notice can range up to £5000 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 good practice guidance on use of artificial lighting upon 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 (www.defra.gov.uk/environment/localenv/nuisance/light/index.htm)."