Growing opposition to Cornwall’s streets going dark after midnight

Cornwall Council has been asked to hold a “county level vote” on its decision to turn streetlights off across the Duchy between midnight and 5am.

A number of local councils have opposed the switch-off as has Truro and Falmouth’s Labour MP, Jayne Kirkham, who started a petition asking the unitary authority to reverse the decision, particularly in areas with a busy night life, including Falmouth where she lives.
Of 56,000 street lights, Cornwall Council is now switching off 35,345 between midnight and 5am. Since implementation, decisions on 160 lights have been reversed.

The council started the switch-off under the previous Conservative administration in 2023 to save money and reduce light pollution as part of its ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030 (which was put back to 2045 last year).

During public questions at a meeting of the full council this week, Aaron Mays asked: “Redruth Town Council has opposed the midnight streetlight switch-off. So has Jayne Kirkham MP and other councils including St Austell. Given the opposition from local councils and the lack of approval from Cornwall councillors, when can the people expect a county level vote to give this act democratic legitimacy?”

Cllr Dan Rogerson, the Liberal Democrat cabinet member for transport, replied: “The previous administration began the switch-off in November 2023 and under the current administration we’ve completed the final phase in August 2026.

“All Cornwall councillors were made aware of the policy change in 2023. Each council has been updated as switch-off has been applied in their area, as have town and parish councils.” He said a process was followed to identify and mitigate any risks identified through the policy change.

“Reversal or additional switch-off requests will be considered when considering the wider area and not on an individual basis,” added Cllr Rogerson. “Reversals will be evidence-based using crime data between midnight and 5am in the area, for example. We’ll work with local stakeholders to address issues in a matter that suits all parties. We continue to liaise with Devon and Cornwall Police and our safety colleagues to monitor each area.”

Mr Mays responded: “Does the member agree that in the interest of democracy, given that this directive began before the last council elections, that it would be right that we did have a county level vote?”

Cllr Rogerson said that the process has been followed and elected members had made that decision.

Mr Mays, a Reform UK councillor on Redruth Town Council, tabled a successful motion in February asking fellow Redruth councillors to vote against the switch-off in the town.

He said at the time: “Darkened streets provide convenient cover for anti-social behaviour and criminal activity; furthermore, the safety of women and girls in these pitch black conditions is a fundamental right that must be protected. Lack of light would also hinder residents’ ability to accurately identify and report incidents to the authorities.

“Implementing a total switch-off between the hours of midnight and 5am creates a difficult environment for night shift employees and those who work irregular schedules. These hard-working residents are council tax payers and are entitled to a safe, well-lit commute and should not be forced to navigate unlit streets.”

In July Ms Kirkham added her voice to the growing concerns and launched an online petition calling for the council to rethink the policy. Last week, she welcomed the council’s acknowledgement of her concerns and changes that will be made.

The MP said: “When it comes to lighting places like Falmouth that have a vibrant night-time economy, it is all about striking the right balance between reducing our carbon footprint and protecting not only those who enjoy our nightlife, but also those who keep it working too.

“Following campaigning by Falmouth Town Council and Falmouth Business Improvement District, and with more than 100 people supporting the petition, Cornwall Council has agreed to make a number of changes.”

The revised policy means streetlights will now remain on during student nights on Wednesdays and Thursdays, as well as Fridays and Saturdays. Lights will also stay on throughout Freshers’ Week, from September 14 to 23, and a number of roads will move to a dimming profile rather than a switch-off profile.

“This is about people feeling safe as they make their way home. That includes everyone who enjoys Falmouth’s brilliant pubs, clubs and music venues, as well as those who work in the night-time economy, from performers and bar staff to door security teams,” added Ms Kirkham.

Regarding its switch-off policy, Cornwall Council’s website states: “Council tax will not be reduced as part of this initiative. The street lighting energy cost per night in 2021 was £5,274 and in 2023 had increased to £9,445 per night. Energy prices remain at the increase rate. The council must continue to implement changes to make savings both for the environment to meet our carbon commitments and manage budgets.

“Once the switch-off project is complete the annual saving, based on current energy rates, will be £680,000 per year. This equates to a saving of £1,863 per night.”