Light Pollution

How can the problem be tackled?

The extent of light pollution can be dramatically reduced by a number of simple measures which are straightforward and inexpensive.

Ask yourself...

• Is the lighting necessary?
• Could safety be achieved by other measures such as putting a fence or a screen up around an area?
• Do the lights have to be on all night? Switch off unnecessary lighting or install a timer switch. Use only the necessary amount of lighting.

If lighting is necessary, a number of measures can be taken to avoid causing a nuisance:

• Use minimum wattage lamps. For domestic security lights a 150W lamp is adequate. High power lamps (300/500W) create too much glare reducing security. A 9W lamp is adequate for an all-night porch in most situations.
• Angle your lights downwards so that they only illuminate the surface intended and do not throw light onto a neighbouring property.  To reduce the effects of glare main beam angles of all lights should be below 70 degrees.
• Security lights should be correctly adjusted so that they only pick up the movement of persons in the area intended and not beyond.
• Direct lights downwards. If up-lighting has to be used then install hoods or shields above the light to reduce the amount of wasted upward light.
• Do not install equipment which spreads light above the horizontal.