What is light nuisance?

Artificial light is essential in our modern society, however, poorly designed, directed and maintained lighting can cause problems. Artificial light nuisance is a source of light which interferes with a person's use of their property or is prejudicial to their health. 


Is light pollution the same as light nuisance?

Light pollution is any form of artificial light which shines outside the area it needs to illuminate including light which is directed into the night sky creating a sky glow.
Although light pollution may affect the beauty of the night sky and our view of the stars, it is not also a light nuisance unless it interferes with a person's use of their property or is prejudicial to their health.


How to avoid causing a light nuisance

• Do not fit unnecessary lights.
• Do not use excessively bright lights. A 150 watt tungsten halogen lamp is adequate. High power (300-500 watt) bulbs are too powerful for domestic security lighting
• Do not leave lights on when they are not needed. Consider controlling lights with passive infra-red detectors, ensuring that they are correctly aligned and installed. For a porch light that is going to be left on all night, a nine watt compact fluorescent lamp is normally adequate.
• Speak to your neighbours to check your lights are not causing a problem


Further advice on installing domestic security lighting issued by the Institute of Lighting Engineers.


What can I do about light nuisance?

Try to approach your neighbour for a chat about the problem. Try to keep things light-hearted and friendly and explain how the light is affecting you. Politely suggest possible solutions to the problem:
• re-angle or partially shade the light
• fit a passive infra red sensor
• use a lower power bulb
You may find it difficult to speak to your neighbour, but research has shown that a direct approach has the best chance of success. Remember that sometimes neighbours are unaware they are causing a problem and most will be glad to do what they can.
If the friendly approach doesn't work, contact us to see how we can help.
Should you be being disturbed by street lighting you will need to contact Staffordshire County Coucil  Highways on (0800) 232323.

• 1. Statutory Nuisance
• 2. Domestic Noise and How to Deal with it
• 3. Commercial and industrial noise
• 4. Construction Site Noise
• 5. Noise in the Street
• 6. Odour / Dust Nusiance
• 7. Light Nuisance « You are here
• 8. Bonfires
• 9. Fireworks

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