It’s now two years since the Conservative-run county council starting
turning off most residential roads street lights at midnight. Readers
will know that Liberal Democrat councillors fought against this ill
thought out policy that allowed for no local decision making or variation
of policy despite the Conservatives pledge to believe in “localism”.

At the last two years  budget meetings we have proposed funding to turn
lights back on and also pressed for an early review. The Conservatives
promised one this summer having voted down our budget plans.

Now the long awaited review will take place, first at the Highways and
Waste Panel on the 12th September to be followed by a formal scrutiny
review in early October. This scrutiny review will allow members of the
public and organisations to put their views on this part night lighting
policy.

Liberal Democrats urge residents to not only let their local county
councillor know their views but to put any formal submissions to Tom
Hawkyard, the Head of Scrutiny, Herts County Council, Pegs Lane, Hertford,
SG13 8DE (tom.hawkyard@hertfordshire.gov.uk). Residents and groups can
also ask to speak in person as part of this process and if you want to do
so should request this.

What is clear, especially in many urban areas, is that residents are very
concerned about this night time blackout that starts at midnight and
turns every light off in many residential side roads. The poor state of
most footpaths and roads makes trying to walk or cycle in the dark very
dangerous.

Now it’s your chance to have your say and we hope the ruling
Conservatives at last listen.