Light pollution

Light pollution is a growing problem. To avoid light pollution it is necessary to understand how it occurs.

This may be due to:

people's sleep being disturbed by the increasing number of lights
the excessive brightness and poor alignment of some domestic and commercial security lights and sports ground floodlights
worry about the brightening of the "sky glow" over London and elsewhere, and detrimental effects on wildlife
concern about energy wasted by excessive lighting

A light fitting will deliver light where it is needed, but will potentially also give four areas of unwanted, and wasted, light:

Spill light - falls outside the area where it is needed, it can be avoided by pointing the light in the right direction.
Upward light - this is wasted light shining above a light fitting, it is entirely avoidable by the correct use of the correct light fitting. Direct the light downwards wherever possible (this can also reduce glare).
Upward reflected light - this is unavoidable and dependant on the reflectances of the surfaces below the light fitting, (dry tarmac will commonly reflect 7%, grass about 20-25%). This is another source of "sky glow". Remedies are to use only as much light on the surface as is really needed, and to try to select a surface which minimises reflectance.
Direct glare - from seeing the bright filament of an unshielded light, troublesome and dangerous unshielded bright lighting. Direct glare is more wasted light and can be a major problem. It is avoided in a properly designed scheme.

Avoid causing light pollution

do not fit unnecessary lights
do not use excessively bright lights, a 150 watt tungsten halogen lamp is quite adequate, 300 or 500 watt bulbs are too powerful for domestic security lighting
do not leave lights on when they are not needed, consider controlling lights with passive infra-red detectors, ensuring that they are correctly aligned and installed. For a porch light that is going to be left on all night, a nine watt compact fluorescent lamp is normally adequate

Action against light pollution
If you are experiencing light pollution form your neighbours try approaching the owner of the offending light, politely requesting:

re-angling or partial shading of the light
fitting of a passive infra red sensor
using a lower power bulb

It might help if you can show the neighbour the effect of the light from your side of the fence. You can also politely suggest to the owner that they may be wasting money on excessive lighting.

Note: lights do not always deter criminals (the main insurers do not offer any reductions in premiums for exterior lighting).

Legal solutions
From 1 April 2006, light pollution was brought into the definition of a 'statutory nuisance', this is defined as "artificial light emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance". It constitutes a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (provision added by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005).

Light generated at a variety of types of premises are exempt from this new law, these area as follows: airports/harbour/railway/tramway/bus premises and any associated facilities, public service vehicle operating centres, goods vehicle operating centres, lighthouses and prisons.

Also, a statutory defence of 'best practicable means' will be available to:

artificial light emitted from industrial, trade or business premises
artificial light emitted by lights used for the purpose only of illuminating an outdoor relevant sports facility

Planning legislation also covers the lighting of many of these facilities. In reality, therefore, the focus for these new provisions is that of domestic security lighting. It must be noted, however, that 'nuisance' is not the same as 'annoyance', and a strict legal definition of statutory nuisance would have to apply before any formal action could be taken. Complaints can be made to the noise and nuisance team on (020) 8825 6633.

Civil law - Civil litigation involves suing the owner of the light. If the action is lost, the costs are paid by the complainant. There is no record of such a case being brought, and it is far from certain that the complainant would win. Legal advice should be sought before initiating these proceedings.

Planning permission
Some lighting schemes need planning permission (usually as part of a building development of some kind). Ealing Council's Unitary Development Plan (UDP) is the basic policy framework within which planning decisions are made. It includes clauses specifically aimed at "controlling light pollution in the interests of amenity, sustainability and possible disturbance to wildlife."

Lighting schemes for new building developments may have conditions imposed, as part of their planning permission, to ensure that no light pollution is created. If such lighting causes concern, through any conditions being breached, the Planning Department could take enforcement action.

Councillors and MP's may be able to become involved in specific cases. Send acknowledgements to:

Bob Mizon
38 The Vineries, Colehill, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 2PX

The Institution of Lighting Engineers
Lennox House, 9 Lawford Road, CV21 2DZ