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Why are street lights in Caerphilly County Borough turned off?
Street lights in Caerphilly County Borough were turned off between midnight and 5.30am since late 2019.
While the council insists that the policy is to reduce the environmental impact, Plaid Cymru claims it is to save money.
What has the Labour-led Council said?
Cllr Jamie Pritchard is the Deputy Leader of Council and has said that he isn’t prepared to abandon environmental obligations weeks before an electoral election.
Cllr Pritchard, representing the Morgan Jones ward, stated that the reintroduction or even partial reintroduction of street lighting from 12 midnight to 5:30 am alone would add approximately 750 tonnes of carbon to the atmosphere.
Caerphilly County Borough Council declared Climate Emergency in June 2019 and committed itself to being net carbon neutral until 2030.
Cllr Pritchard stated that climate change was the most pressing issue of our time. The council’s carbon emissions were much higher when Plaid Cymru was in charge.
He said: The Labour government has more than halved carbon emission by converting to LEDs and introducing part-night lighting.
Although the policy had been supported by cross-party parties, to reverse street lighting decisions in the run-up of an election would be unwise.
What is Plaid Cymrus’ stance?
Plaid Cymru said that the strategy was all about saving money.
Plaid Cymru requested information under Freedom of Information (FOI). It was revealed that all street lights in the council are powered by green electricity.
Cllr Colin Elsbury from the St Martins Ward said that the council should not delay turning on the lights.
Cllr Elsbury said: Senior Labour councillors have lied that lights were being shut off in order to make the country carbon neutral.
The former deputy leader [Cllr Sean Morgan]The deputy leader stated that the decision to turn off in the early hours was made against the backdrop of environmental commitments. [Cllr Jamie Pritchard]Similar comments have been made in the past.
It is all about saving money, but it is also about making people feel less vulnerable by switching off the bright lights.
Delyth Jewell (Plaid Cymrus regional Senedd Members for South Wales East) said: During winter, it is crucial that street lighting is maintained so that people feel safe after dark.
This is true for both women walking home at night and those putting out the bins in icy conditions. The fundamental point is that residents’ safety should not be compromised. It is crucial that they immediately turn the lights on again.
Labours Caerphilly Senedd member Hefin David and its Member of Parliament Wayne David both previously urged council members to turn the lights back on.
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Street light switch-off: Saving money, or protecting the environment?
What is green electricity exactly?
Green electricity is energy that comes from renewable sources, such as wind or solar.
Cllr Elsbury noted that all street lights were converted to LED lamps. He also stated that the FOI information revealed that the energy used is clean and therefore, carbon-free.
However, LED lights do not eliminate carbon emissions. According to The Climate Group, LED street lamps reduce carbon emissions by 50-70%. They are one of the most effective and easily-implemented technologies to transition to a low-carbon economy.
What is the cost for street lights?
The council spent 925,602.92 in street lighting during the 2020/21 financial years.
Cllr Elsbury suggested that the lights be turned on, particularly after the generous financial settlement by the Welsh Government.
The Welsh Government announced before Christmas its provisional settlement for local government. This will see every Welsh authority receive at least 8.4% more funding in 2022/23.
In the future, will street lights be turned on?
The council leadership claimed that the policy would be reviewed. If crime in certain areas rises, then the lights in those areas would be turned back on.
However, a universal switch-on looks unlikely. There is also confusion about whether switching the lights back completely would increase carbon emissions.
Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader of the Council, said that although the policy had been supported by all parties, it would have been foolish to reverse street lighting decisions made in the run-up for an election.
Cllr Elsbury is wrong to claim that street lighting is carbon-free. Street lighting between 12 midnight to 5.30 am would add an additional 750 tonnes to the atmosphere.
Cllr Pritchard answered that street lights use green energy and was asked to explain further.
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