Street light switch-off plan returns despite fears

If approved, the lights would be switched off between 23:30 and 05:30 in rural locations

Plans to turn off street lights in the early hours of the morning to save money and reduce carbon emissions are being reconsidered after they were deferred last year over safety concerns.

Oxfordshire County Council discussed the latest proposals on Wednesday, which now involve communities asking for the reduction in lighting rather than a blanket roll-out.

A consultation showed broad support for the environmental, sustainability and cost savings for the programme, the council said.

But Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Barber said he still believed there was "potential for increased criminality" where lighting was reduced.

Under the previous proposals, which covered Oxfordshire's 60,000 street lights, the council estimated it would save up to £400,000 and the equivalent of 400 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

The new plan would involve parish and town councils having to get the backing of their local county councillors before requesting lights are turned off in their neighbourhoods.

They would also need to pay for the installation of new bulbs at £50 per light.

If approved, the lights would be switched off between 23:30 and 05:30 in rural locations and between midnight and 05:30 in more urban areas.

Exemptions would include large urban areas like the city of Oxford as well as major road junctions, remote alleyways and areas with high levels of crime.

PCC Mr Barber, who opposed the previous plans, said he was still concerned the idea had the "potential for increased criminality" and could impact on the feeling of safety for "women and vulnerable people".

A county council spokesperson said the authority had "learned lessons" from last year's proposals and it was "confident the updated policy and proposed implementation framework would not reduce public safety."

The plans were scrutinised earlier by the place overview and scrutiny committee.

They go forward to cabinet for approval next month, though the committee recommended "engagement with town and parish councils and communities" to ensure they are understood.