At a time of rising violent crime, street lights play a vital role in making sure our streets feel safe and that people can go about their business without fear.
They're particularly important for people who work late and then need to get home - but may not have a car.
Despite this, in April 2019, the Conservatives running Hampshire County Council switched off street lights in residential areas from 1am onwards.
While this isn't a problem for every area, for other areas it is - particularly in towns and cities where many people have to work late at night.
Local residents are telling us they are particularly concerned about:
- Areas with more crime and anti-social behaviour
- Areas and routes that are heavily used by pedestrians at night
- Areas and routes that are unobserved and where pedestrians need clear visibility
- Areas with more students and young people likely to be working late or otherwise out at night
Even where local businesses and residents have asked for lights to be kept on, they've often been ignored.
And all the while our streets have been getting less safe.
In the year after the Conservatives made the change, violent crime across Hampshire grew by 7% and robbery by 12%.
It's time for the County Council to start listening to local residents.
Sign the petition now:
We, the undersigned, call upon Hampshire County Council:
- to start listening to local people who are concerned about street lights being switched off - and,
- where local residents request it, to keep them on in areas with more crime and anti-social behaviour - or which are heavily used by pedestrians at night - or where pedestrians need better visibility.
We will include your name and address when submitting and sharing the petition with Hampshire County Council.
