Switch off and save

STREET lighting times in Oxfordshire could be changed on request under new plans to update the policy.

The part-night lighting framework is recommended for approval at the meeting of the Oxfordshire County Council cabinet on Tuesday.

If approved, requests to turn off streetlights between 11.30pm and 5.30am in rural areas and from midnight to 5.30am in urban areas will be considered if proposed by the parish or town council and the ward county councillor.

There are exemptions for places where it might compromise safety, such as major road junctions, high-crime areas and locations supporting the night-time economy.

The county council is responsible for about 60,000 streetlights in the county and reducing hours of operation will cut carbon emissions and energy costs.