INTRODUCTION

  I am a retired Chartered Engineer living it the village of Beckington in Somerset. I am interested in astronomy and made my first telescope in the 1960's. On retirement in 1993 I built a larger telescope and to date have had over 350 visitors (from three to 80+ years old) to share views of the night sky. I have given several talks on astronomy (all ages—toddler groups through to third Age University ). I started the Beckington Astronomical Society which now has about 40 members. Light pollution from the local bypass was a serious problem but following 10 years campaigning and help from our MP David Heath a substantial improvement was made by the fitting of full cut off lanterns.

1.  What has been the impact of light pollution on UK astronomy?

  Satellite images clearly show the amount of light emitted upwards over the UK and this has a major impact on the ability to observe objects in the night sky. For me the following experience dramatically illustrated the problem. I was fortunate to be able to spend a night camping in a National Park in British Columbia, Canada. On going out to observe the night sky at 1.00 am I found it difficult to quickly find the popular constellations because of the sheer number of stars one could see. It was a view I shall never forget. We are on a similar latitude and often have clean maritime/polar air coming over the UK. On such occasions we should be able to experience such stunning beautiful skies but they are denied us because of light pollution.

2.  Are current planning guidelines strong enough to protect against light pollution?

  I have a difficulty in answering this question as despite asking several times (I think four) for Mendip District Council to send me information on their policy and guidance documentation I have received nothing. In my latest request (6 February) I explained the information would be particularly helpful as I planned to send written evidence to your committee.

  The Institution of Lighting Engineers have produced an excellent document on the subject which should be ideal as the basis of a Council policy/guidance document.

3.  Are planning guidelines being applied and enforced effectively?

  In view of the above I cannot give a specific answer. What I can say however is that there are many examples of bad lighting in this area. Two examples that I brought to the attention of the Council did not receive the positive action I would have hoped for. One involved over 20 car park lights in the centre of Frome (our nearest town) all of which cast 40% of their light (and energy) above the horizontal. I wrote to the Council in December 1999 and was assured they took the matter seriously, I subsequently mentioned it whenever the council had an "environmental display" day. Nothing happened until about March 2001 when I noticed one lamp had been tilted horizontal. On closer inspection I could see that this had had to be done to avoid blinding a security camera. I took photographs of the adjusted light and all the others (still throwing much of their light upwards). This was irrefutable evidence that all the lamps needed to be adjusted downwards. I am pleased to say this was done within a few weeks. However, the claim that the relevant authorities take the subject seriously is clearly not borne out in practice noting I had drawn attention to the matter more than a year earlier. My second example, also in Frome, is of a McDonalds car park and despite again sending photos illustrating the poor lighting (possibly dangerous as one light causes glare to drivers on a nearby roundabout) I have not received any reply from McDonalds or from the Council. This example is particularly disappointing as all the other lighting in the vicinity has excellent cut-off.

4.  Is light measurable in such a way as to make legally enforceable regulatory controls feasible?

  Almost certainly the answer is yes just as other pollutants can be measured. However, a few simple requirements could immediately make a difference.

  For example:

  All lighting should be in accordance with the ILE guidance document.

  All planning applications to give details of any lighting and be checked by the relevant authority before planning approval is given. The installation to be inspected afterwards to ensure it complies.

  All light to be directed within the boundary of the applicants property. Advertising lights would need to be limited in wattage. (I believe a Lighthouse lamp is no greater than 1,000W and can be seen for 30 miles. A car head lamp is about 60W. Why therefore does a security light need to be 500W!

5.  Are further controls on the design of lighting necessary?

  (It is not clear whether this refers to light fittings or lighting installations). I'm not sure any controls on light fittings would be of value as for example the terrible 500w so called security lamps could be useful within enclosed buildings eg sports halls, workshops.

  All lights for external use should be required to be adjustable so as to not shine directly outside the boundary of the property (and that includes not up into the sky). Planners should be required to avoid light pollution (with a legal backup). Light pollution should be recognised as a nuisance.

CONCLUSION

  Bad lighting severely compromises the enjoyment of amateur astronomers and that includes anyone who likes to look at the night sky irrespective of whether they have a telescope. From my experience few of the authorities concerned really take the subject seriously despite the fact that considerable improvements could be achieved with just a bit of positive action. Good lighting makes sense for everyone and could save a considerable amount of taxpayer/ratepayers money by the energy that could be saved.