Street lighting in spotlight over night safety

Night safety groups have called for improvements to street lighting

A survey of Guernsey street lighting is set to take place in a bid to improve night-time safety across the island.

Guernsey Electricity (GE) is joining forces with Guernsey Police to look at where improvements can be made to help people feel less vulnerable when travelling home at night.

It comes after calls were made to improve outdoor lighting by night-time safety groups.

A spokesperson for GE said: "We are mindful of the potential risks of a lack of public lighting and our representatives are in early discussions with Guernsey Police to arrange a walkaround of St Peter Port, to explore street lighting options where any vulnerable person may be affected by lack of lighting."

The police are helping identify areas where lighting could be improved

The utility company installs and maintains street lights on behalf of the island's parishes.

Under the arrangement the company covers the cost of installation, maintenance and replacement.

Each parish then pays a charge for these services and energy usage.

St Peter Port Constable Diane Mitchell said she supports the upgrade plans, which she intends to raise at the next public meeting.

She said: "I think we have got to take advantage of technological advancements in terms of street lighting or anything we can use to that make the town a safe place that people want to come of an evening."

'Public safety'

Under current arrangements Guernsey’s street lighting is slowly being upgraded to modern LED lighting wherever a replacement is needed.

Newer lights also incorporate a controller which can automatically recognise any failure and immediately notify the power company.

Chair of public safety charity SafetyNet Poppy Murray said: "As a charity that is actively trying to promote a safer night-time economy we are really encouraged to hear that Guernsey Police and Guernsey Electricity and are looking into the issue of street lighting, because its real issue public safety and are looking forward to seeing the outcome of that."