Letters
France street lighting debate: safety concerns vs light pollution
Many communes turn their street lights off at night
Could solar panels on street lights offset the cost of running them?
bacnaria / Shutterstock
To the Editor,
I read with dismay about councils leaving street lights on throughout the night.
While I appreciate that many urban dwellers may be wary of walking home after dark, those of us who live in rural areas, particularly in central Brittany, which has some of the darkest skies in France, have enjoyed stargazing without the annoying light spill from cities on the horizon.
If mayors turn the lights back on, they should first invest in pollution-free down-lighting and lower-lux units.
While this would ensure continued enjoyment of the night sky, we must never forget the benefits to nocturnal wildlife.
So many are confused by ‘night-time daylight’ that a number of species which find it difficult to adapt are heading for extinction in towns and cities across the world. France does not have to contribute.
G.B., Côtes-d'Armor
To the Editor,
l live in the old part of Saissac (Aude). Many elderly people around me could benefit from having street lights on throughout the night for reasons of safety and security.
If solar panels were installed on the street lights, surely this would offset the cost of electricity?
L.P.B., Aude
Should safety take priority in France’s street lighting? Send us your views at letters@connexionfrance.com
