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Outdoors

Lighting expert reveals homeowners could land a £5,000 fine for leaving porch or garden lights on at night

  

By Matthew Currington, Technical Director, 

The Lighting Superstore  

“With the clocks due to go back this Sunday and the nights drawing in, many of us might be tempted to leave our porch or garden lights on overnight as an extra layer of security.

“However, it seems this is a somewhat contentious and well-debated subject for many, with one Reddit thread with over 1.2 million members proving homeowners divided. 

“For example, one Reddit user simply states: “A well-lit home is less likely to be targeted by burglars”.

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“While this is a valid point, others were not alone in pointing out that a light left on all night is extremely disruptive. One contributor said: “The light from my neighbour’s porch is basically a spotlight into my bedroom.”

“Both arguments are understandable. Lighting is a key factor in providing home security and comfort, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of your neighbours. It’s all about striking the right balance between safety and consideration. 

“Plus, homeowners should also stop and consider the legalities of such disruption as excessive lighting of your home can be a legal issue in the UK.

“Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, if your porch light causes significant disturbance, it could be considered a statutory nuisance, for which you could receive a fine of up to £5,000.

Here are a few sensible ways to use outdoor light in the winter without upsetting the neighbours or landing yourself a hefty fine…

#1 Use automatic lighting

“Having motion sensors and timers on your outdoor lights gives you the security you’re looking for and won’t excessively encroach on your neighbours.

“Plus, any burglars will get a nasty shock when they are hit with a sudden bright light when they’re not expecting it.

#2 Consider low glare or shielded solutions

“Low-glare or shielded lighting solutions are designed to illuminate your area of choice, such as your porch or driveway, without casting bright light into your neighbour’s bedrooms or living rooms. 

“This will also limit light pollution overall, which not only impairs sleep quality and damages overall health in the long run, but it has a big impact on wildlife too.

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#3 Introduce soft lighting

“Light colour and brightness are important too, so look for a ‘warm white’ LED light between 2700K to 3000K as this will emit a softer, more pleasant light that is not harsh and disruptive like a blue-toned light.

“If you’re keen on colourful lighting, be extra cautious with brightness and glare and the time of day they’re illuminated.

“This is also particularly relevant with Halloween and Christmas on the horizon, and homeowners should be careful not to overdo it with decorative lighting.

#4 Always consider others

“Once you have all your lighting installed, it’s a good idea to do a quick walk around your whole property and possibly up and down the street. This way, you can gauge how much light you’re emitting from an outside perspective and adjust your lighting accordingly.

“If you’re unsure, it never hurts to show some neighbourly care and check in on your neighbour to see if the new lights are a nuisance.”

Matthew Currington, Technical Director
Images by Lighting Superstore

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