Decision details

Matter for Decision

 

Following major budgetary reviews, the County Council proposed to dim street lighting, and to turn off lights in a number of areas across the County overnight, with midnight to 6am the current proposed hours. 

 

The report set out the framework of the lighting proposal and detailed the areas of significant concern in the City and suggested considerations for negotiation with the County Council.

Decision of the Leader

 

     i.        The Executive Councillor agreed to work with the County Council on options to minimise the impact of the changes, and approve a formal response by the City Council to the County Council following input by Committee, and seek:

 

a)       A timeframe and effective method for public consultation on the lighting proposals being put forward by the County Council and agreement to undertake consultation jointly with the County Council.

b)       Further views from the City’s police and any additional recommendations on overnight street lighting, and also the views of other key stakeholders including our two Universities and central city businesses.

c)       County Council agreement to remove streets from dimming or switching off where CCTV is located.

d)        The removal from the proposal of walking and cycling routes, particularly across open spaces.

e)       Changes to the timing and scope of the proposed switch off to take into account the needs of city centre life and the night-time economy.

 

    ii.        Any Additional recommendation to the County Council, to be agreed in consultation with the Chair and Spokes

 

Reason for the Decision

 

As set out in the Officer’s report.

 

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

 

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Safer Communities Manager regarding County Council proposals for changes to street lighting provision.

 

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

 

     i.        Suggested that public perception of danger could result in increased stress levels or social isolation as people chose to stay at home.

    ii.        Suggested negotiating with the County Council to limit the cuts to 1.00am to 5.00am instead of midnight to 6.00am.

   iii.        Suggested that the maps demonstrate a lack of understanding of the night time economy in Cambridge.

  iv.        Suggested that crime and anti-social behaviour would increase.

   v.        Expressed concern that most of King’s Hedges would be in darkness after midnight.

  vi.        Expressed concerns about paths across open spaces, roads that connected to the existing and the proposed new rail station and coach drop off points.

 vii.        Proposed that the County Council be asked to carry out wider public consultations.

 

Councillor Herbert proposed that any additional recommendations to the County Council would be agreed with the Chair and Spokes to incorporate the concerns raised by members. 

 

This was agreed nem con.

 

The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendations.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.