Safety concerns over Hampshire County Council's plans to dim street lights

There are fears the move could make women feel unsafe

A women's safety charity has said a council's cost-saving plan to dim street lights would "restrict" women from certain areas.

If approved, some street lights across Hampshire would be switched off for longer overnight and others would have their brightness reduced.

Hampshire County Council said there was no evidence to suggest the changes would lead to a rise in crime.

It said it was under "immense pressure" to save £132m by April 2025.

Dr Shonagh Dillon is a campaigner for women's safety

However, Dr Shonagh Dillon, chief executive of charity Aurora New Dawn, said women felt safer in well-lit areas.

"There is an important element in the freedom to feel safe as a woman or girl in Hampshire, and any reduction of street lighting will restrict women and girls from certain areas," she said.

"This isolates women and girls and curtails their freedom to access certain areas, especially in the winter."

She said the College of Policing advises that research shows street lighting can reduce violent crime by up to 21%.

"It is possible that some offenders will view unlit areas as an opportunity to target victims because of their vulnerability," she added.

Some street lights could have their brightness reduced by up to 80 percent, the council says

Hampshire County Council said fear of crime could be heightened in the darker streets, but argued there was "no evidence" to suggest the changes would lead to a rise in actual crime.

In a statement, a spokesperson said the authority was having to make "difficult decisions" about the services it continues to provide.

"[We need to ensure there is] enough money available to fund services we must legally deliver - like protecting children from harm, social care for Hampshire's growing elderly population, and supporting adults and children with disabilities and additional needs," they said.

Making cuts to street lighting would save £500,000 per year.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary can currently ask for lights to be turned on throughout the night as an emergency measure.

A public consultation is open until 31 March.

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