Light pollution
What is considered light pollution?
A light nuisance is likely to exist where a source of artificial light significantly and unreasonably interferes with a person's use and enjoyment of their property or is harmful to their health.
However, it must be more than annoyance or simply an awareness of a light source. A number of things need to be considered when deciding whether an artificial light source is causing a statutory nuisance, including the:
- time of night
- location
- brightness and duration of the light source
- nature or purpose of the light
- level of light pollution and the area affected
- effect on the receiver
There are some light sources exempt from statutory nuisance legislation. These include:
- airports
- harbours
- tram and railway premises
- bus stations and associated facilities
- public service vehicles and goods vehicle operating centres
- lighthouses
- prisons and military installations
How to avoid light nuisance
There are simple steps to avoid causing light nuisance:
- do not fit unnecessary lights
- do not use excessively bright lights. High power bulbs are too powerful for normal domestic security lighting situations
- do not leave lights on when they are not needed
- check your lights are not causing a problem
- speak to your neighbours if possible, especially when installing new external lighting
- consider using shields or adjusting the angle of lighting that spills over onto a neighbour's property
- check lights are angled downwards and only illuminating the area intended