Government street lighting plans must be environmentally sound

Transport Minister Karen Buck announced today that the Government is making a further £600 million available in 2005/06 to help local authorities modernise their street lighting. Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary Norman Baker MP said:

"It is welcome that money is being made available to improve street lighting, particularly where they lead to clear improvements in security.

"However, light pollution is a huge problem for Britain. It is very sad that the night sky is being lost to the modern generation and very worrying that so much energy is being wasted, adding to carbon dioxide emissions.

"It is essential therefore that this money should only be allocated for new state of the art low-energy lighting which will save money, reduce emissions and reduce light pollution."