Memorandum from A T Storey
As an amateur astronomer of some 52 years and
as an individual concerned about the invasion of bright lights
into our lives, I would like to present the following points to
the members of the select committee.
The night sky is the oldest and arguably the
most beautiful part of our environment, hence the concern expressed
by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, which has
joined with the British Astronomical Association to form the Campaign
for Dark Skies (CfDS).
In less than 10 years time, owing to the spread
of light pollution throughout the country, Earth based observational
astronomy may no longer be possible. The stars are already almost
lost above an orange sky glow in many parts of the country. This
is not only a great loss of a beautiful part of our environment,
but represents an unacceptable waste of taxpayer's money. It is
estimated that more than 40% of the emission from some outside
lights may be illuminating the sky.
Badly designed street and security lamps can
be more than a nuisance. They can be a danger to car drivers and
home owners. Some road deaths have already been attributed to
the blinding of drivers by over bright and badly sited security
lights.
Well designed street lights and security lamps
do exist, and are recommended by the Institute of Lighting Engineers.
Local authorities sometimes seem unwilling to fit these, and continue
to install older types which produce sky glow and glare, although
many authorities follow the recommendations of the Institute of
Lighting Engineers.
The purpose of lighting is to light up the ground,
not the sky and not to floodlight the houses and gardens of nearby
residents. It is possible to prevent this. The Czech Republic
introduced anti-light-pollution legislation in 2002. This can
also be done in the United Kingdom. I feel that legislation needs
to be introduced which will ensure that all authorities and individuals
conform to the recommendations of the ILE. I, and other astronomers,
would be very grateful for your support in this matter.
22 April 2003
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