Light pollution
Light pollution is when artificial light illuminates an area that shouldn't be lit. It is intrusive and referred to as the “trespass” of light, such as artificial light from:
- domestic or commercial security lights
- exterior lights to buildings or landscapes
Light may constitute a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (provision added by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005).
Report light pollution
You can report a light pollution nuisance, by completing our online enquiry form.
Make a neighbourhood nuisance enquiry
You can also report a light pollution nuisance by:
- writing to us: Compliance Team, London Borough of Sutton, 24 Denmark Road, Carshalton SM5 2JG
- calling us on 020 8770 5000
- send an email to our environmental health team
Before you make a report
These factors determine if an artificial light source is a statutory nuisance:
- the frequency of light nuisance incidents
- what time the light gets turned on and off
- how long the light lasts for
- the impact of the light, such as:
- how bright the light is in your house
- what rooms are affected
- if you've taken any measures to mitigate the impact of the light, such as the use of curtains or blinds
How to prevent light pollution
Before you install lights, consider if:
- the lighting is necessary
- the screening of an area is a suitable alternative to safety lights
- the lights have to be on all night
Adjusting security lights
If you want to install lights for safety or security reasons, you need to install the right amount of light:
- domestic security lights should use a 150w lamp - high-power (300/500w) lamps create too much glare reducing security
- all-night porch lights should use a 9w lamp
Set the angles of all main beam lights to below 70 degrees. You should adjust your lights so that they:
- only illuminate the surface intended and
- do not throw light onto neighbouring property
- only pick up the movement of persons in the area intended and not beyond
- direct light downwards
- if up lighting, you should install shields or baffles above the lamp to reduce the amount of wasted light
- do not spread light above the horizontal
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