Bloxwich Lighting PFI
Residents Survey Spring and Autumn 2012
Summary of findings – FINAL
January 2013
For more information please contact:
Anna Sansom
Corporate Consultation & Customer Feedback Officer
Corporate Performance Management
Business Change, Resources Directorate
Walsall Council, Civic Centre, Darwall Street, Walsall WS1 1TP
Telephone 01922 653520
Email sansomanna@walsall.gov.uk
Report contents
Page
number
Section
1.
Executive summary
3
2.
Introduction
5
3.
Methodology
7
4.
Survey findings
8
4.1
ƒ
Travel in the local area after dark
8
4.11
ƒ
Importance of various aspects of street lighting
10
4.17
ƒ
The current lighting – before and after
13
4.22
ƒ
Visibility
14
4.48
ƒ
Visibility – better or worse
20
4.51
ƒ
Feeling of safety
20
4.62
ƒ
Better or worse overall
23
4.64
ƒ
Why better or worse
24
5.
Conclusion
30
6.
Demographics
31
Appendix 1 – Spring and Autumn questionnaires
Appendix 2 – List of streets
Appendix 3 – All comments why better or worse (available separately)
Appendix 4 – Maps (available separately, for internal use only)
Q2: Do you think the lighting in you street is too bright, about
right or too dim?
Q5: Taking everything into account, would you say the current lighting
in your street is better, the same or worse than the old
lighting?
All photos are courtesy of Amey, Walsall Street Lighting.
2
1. Executive summary
1.1. This lighting initiative has seen new LED technology being used to replace
approximately 590 old (sodium orange) lanterns in an area of Bloxwich. Its
success in reducing maintenance costs, reducing energy consumption and
the resulting council’s carbon footprint will be assessed.
1.2. In addition, the success of the initiative has been evaluated by means of two
resident questionnaires, one before (Spring survey) and one after (Autumn
survey) the installation of new LED street lighting in the area.
1.3. LED technology gives better colour rendering which means improved
recognition of colour and features and, with the added benefit of a central
monitoring system, the ability to control and trial dimming and trimming. This
approach is consistent with that of neighbouring authorities e.g. Birmingham,
Wolverhampton and Sandwell.
1.4. The Spring survey received 477 responses, a response rate of 23%, whilst
the Autumn survey received 591 responses, a 29% response rate.
1.5. During the day and during the hours of darkness, respondents
predominantly travel in the local area by car, with around three fifths of
respondents usually travelling this way.
1.6. Most respondents travel after dark at least a weekly or more often than this.
Travel after dark on foot is less frequent with some respondents never
travelling by road or on foot after dark.
1.7. In both the Spring and Autumn surveys compared to other aspects lighting
the roads and pavements during the hours of darkness was seen as
most important to respondents, with the lighting of pavements being
slightly more important than roads. Energy efficient lighting and reducing
energy bills are also important aspects.
1.8. Although still important, compared to the other aspects, lighting the roads
and pavements during the small hours (12am to 5am) is of lower
importance.
1.9. The attractiveness of lanterns is least important.
1.10.
The vast majority of respondents feel that the new LED lighting
levels are about right (68%), slightly less than in the Spring survey (72%).
But a slightly higher proportion now think that the lighting is too dim (28%
compared to 25%). Just 3% feel that the new lights are too bright.
1.11.
Some respondents comment that the lights shine too brightly into their
homes, keeping them awake at night. Others comment that the lights cast
more areas of darkness and shadows, creating a reduced sense of security.
1.12.
Compared to the Spring survey, following the installation of the LED
lighting, more respondents now say that visibility on the footway (19% to
37%) and on the roads is very good (19% to 32%). However a notable
increase is seen in the proportion who feel that visibility from their front
door / window is now very poor (6% to 15%).
3
1.13.
Since the installation of the new lighting, more than double the
proportion of respondents now say that lighting coverage at ground
level is very good (29%) and more than four times the proportion say
the colour of the lighting is very good (36%). Colour definition of the new
lighting is now also more highly rated, although a notable proportion feel it is
poor (24%).
1.14.
Compared to the old lighting more respondents now feel that
visibility overall is very good (31%), however many respondents feel it is
poor (17%) or very poor (10%).
1.15.
The greatest improvement of the new lighting has been the
colour, three fifths of respondents say the colour is better.
1.16.
Around half of all respondents feel that the colour definition, lighting
coverage at ground level and visibility overall is better. However between a
quarter and around a third feel these aspects are worse.
1.17.
Whilst some people say the new lighting makes them feel safer,
overall the new lights appear to have a limited impact on feeling safer, with
an increase in the proportion who strongly disagree that the new lighting
makes them feel safer on foot (5% to 16%) and when using the road (4% to
14%). It must be noted that several factors contribute to feeling safe and
respondents were not asked how safe they actually feel.
1.18.
Overall, taking everything into account;
•
•
•
over half of all respondents feel the new lighting is better (55%)
13% feel it is the same
31% feel it is worse.
1.19.
The main reasons for saying the new lighting is better include it being
brighter and clearer, being a better more natural colour and providing better
ground coverage.
1.20.
The main reasons for saying the new lighting is worse include a
reduction in coverage, reduced visibility with some areas now in darkness
(between columns and up to properties) which some believe poses a safety
and security risk.
4
2. Introduction
2.1. Over the last few decades technology in street lighting has advanced
enormously in terms of performance, efficiency and style. With rising energy
costs, the introduction of environmental taxes to reduce carbon emissions
and consideration for future generations, Walsall Council with lighting
contractor Amey, launched a pilot scheme in April 2012 to test new lighting
technology, including energy saving lighting.
2.2. During April 2012 existing sodium (orange) lanterns (Fig. 1a) in an area of
Bloxwich (Fig 2), were replaced with new LED lights (Fig 1b). The new
lanterns represent the most advanced technology in street lighting. The
main difference being a change from orange coloured lighting to white, more
natural lighting. As part of the works none of the columns were relocated.
Figs 1 a and b. Old style orange sodium lanterns and new LED lanterns
a.
b.
5
Fig 2. LED lights were installed in streets within the red boundary shown
Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's
Stationery Office. © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to
prosecution or civil proceedings. © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey 100019529
2.3. The new technology is being trialled as part of an “invest to save” scheme by
the Walsall council. The selected streets were chosen because most of the
lighting in the area is over 25 years old. A full list of streets is included in
Appendix 2.
2.4. The street lighting works took place between 2 and 30 April 2012.
6
3. Methodology
3.1. Two self completion questionnaires were distributed by post to all
households in the streets where the new lighting was to be installed. One
questionnaire was sent out in the Spring (March 2012), prior to the street
lighting works taking place and one in the Autumn (November 2012), six
months after completion of the lighting works.
3.2. For both the Spring and Autumn waves, questionnaires were distributed by
post to 2,073 households in the affected streets. The two page
questionnaires were also available to complete online or to download and
print.
3.3. The Spring and Autumn questionnaires were largely the same, with both
covering;
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Aspects of visibility
Lighting levels
Feeling of safety
Importance of different aspects of lighting
Usual mode of travel after dark
Frequency of travel after dark by road and on foot
Frequency of travel late at night (12am and 5am)
3.4. The Spring survey also included questions about reporting problem street
lights (not reported here), whilst the Autumn survey asked additional
questions about whether they thought the lighting was better or worse than
the old lighting.
3.5. The Spring survey received 477 responses, a response rate of 23%, whilst
the Autumn survey received 591 responses, a 29% response rate.
3.6. Throughout this report the number of respondents is indicated by ‘base’. This
is the figure on which the percentage is calculated. Note that some bases
vary and some questions have lower bases than others.
A street in Bloxwich with new LED street lighting
7
4. Spring and Autumn survey findings
Travel in the local area after dark
4.1. Results from both surveys show that most respondents (around three fifths)
usually travel in the local area by driving themselves in a car, with 9%
travelling in a car / van as a passenger (Figs 3a and 3b).
4.2. 15% of respondents usually travel on foot and 14% say they do not travel in
the local area after dark.
4.3. Very few respondents used other transport methods such as Ring and Ride,
taxis or cycling. The usual mode of transport does not alter by season.
Fig 3a.
Q6 % Usual mode of transport after dark (Spring, Base 420)
70
60
60
50
%
40
30
20
15
14
9
10
Car / van drive yourself
On foot walk / jog
Do not travel
after dark
Car / van passenger
2
1
*
*
Ring and
Ride /
Community
Transport
Taxi
Cycle
Other
Fig 3b.
Q8 % Usual mode of transport after dark (Autumn, Base 518)
70
60
59
50
%
40
30
20
15
14
10
7
Car / van drive yourself
On foot walk / jog
Do not travel
after dark
Car / van passenger
8
2
2
1
1
Taxi
Ring and
Ride /
Community
Transport
Cycle
Other
4.4. The vast majority of respondents to both the Spring and Autumn surveys (Fig
4), who usually travel by road after dark, do so on at least a weekly basis,
with over half (53%) of all Spring survey respondents doing so almost every
day, rising to 65% in the Autumn survey.
4.5. Around a third of respondents (35% Spring, 29% Autumn) travel after dark by
road at least once a week.
Fig 4.
Q7b and Q10b How ofte n travel after dark by road
70
60
65
53
50
40
%
35
29
30
20
10
6
Almost every day
At least once a
week
5
About once a
month
Spring (Base 373)
3
1
Less often than
this
2
1
Never
Autumn (Base 347)
4.6. Results indicate that travel by foot after dark in the local area tends to be less
frequent compared to travel by road (Fig 5).
Fig 5.
Q7a and Q10a - How often travel after dark on foot
70
58
60
50
40
%
37
30
34
29
20
14
11
10
10
4
Almost every day
At least once a
week
About once a
month
Spring (Base 207)
9
4
Less often than
this
Autumn (Base 83)
1
Never
4.7. Females, people with disabilities and those aged over 60 are most likely to
say they don’t go out after dark.
4.8. Late night travel, between the hours of 12am and 5am, either by foot or road
is much less frequent, with around a quarter of all respondents saying they
do this on at least a weekly basis or more (Fig 6).
Fig. 6
Q8 and Q11 How often travel in local neighbourhood by foot or road
betw een the hours of 12am and 5am
35
32
30
30
30
31
25
%
20
16
16
13
15
11
10
12
8
5
Almost every day
At least once a
week
About once a
month
Spring (Base 400)
Less often than
this
Never
Autumn (Base 568)
4.9. As expected smaller proportions of respondents travel between 12am and
5am. Approaching a third of all respondents travel between 12am and 5am
less often than monthly and almost a third never travel in their local
neighbourhood between these hours.
4.10.
Looking at Autumn survey late night users, 54% are male with 46%
female. Most (53%) are aged 40-59 years and 16% have a disability (base
220).
The importance of various aspects of street lighting (Spring and Autumn)
4.11.
Spring (Fig 7) and Autumn (Fig 8) survey results show that lighting the
pavements during the hours of darkness is seen as important, with the
majority of respondents saying this is very important (68% Spring and 71%
Autumn). Only a small minority in each survey feel this is not important.
4.12.
Lighting the roads is also of high importance, with 65% of Spring
respondents and 68% of Autumn respondents saying it is very important.
4.13.
The majority of respondents in both surveys also think that energy
efficient public lighting and reducing spending on energy bills is important.
10
Fig. 7
Q5 % Importance of different aspects of public street lighting (Spring)
Lights (the lanterns) are attractive (Base
448)
15
Roads and pavements in the local
neighbourhood are well lit in the small
hours (12am - 5am) (Base 458)
32
46
39
The council reduces public spending on
energy bills (Base 455)
7
39
44
Public street lighting is energy efficient
(Base 455)
19
44
34
65
Pavements in the local neighbourhood
are well lit during the hours of darkness
(Base 460)
4
32
68
0%
10%
20%
2
9
62
Roads in the local neighbourhood are well
lit during the hours of darkness (Base
471)
3
30%
Very important
3
30
40%
50%
60%
Important
Not important
70%
80%
2
90%
Not important at all
4.14.
Lighting roads and pavements during the hours of 12am and 5am remains important but in lower proportions compared to
lighting roads and pavements during darkness outside of these hours. Opinion is divided on the importance of the attractiveness of
lanterns, although a slightly higher proportion feel that this is not important.
11
1
1
1
100%
Fig 8
Q8 % Importance of different aspects of public street lighting (Autumn)
Lights (the lanterns) are attractive (Base
552)
Roads and pavements in the local
neighbourhood are well lit in the small
hours (12am - 5am) (Base 563)
45
33
16
Roads in the local neighbourhood are
well lit during the hours of darkness
(Base 571)
Pavements in the local neighbourhood
are well lit during the hours of darkness
(Base 571)
20%
Very important
40%
Important
Not important
60%
80%
100%
Not important at all
4.15.
99% of after dark footway users (base 78) and 97% of after dark road users (base 336, all forms) feel it is important to light the
footway and roads after dark.
12
1
2
26
71
0%
3
29
68
1
5
38
56
2
11
41
47
Public street lighting is energy efficient
(Base 568)
18
40
40
The council reduces public spending on
energy bills (Base 560)
6
4.16.
85% of late night (between 12am and 5am) road and footway users said that lighting during these times is important or very
important, with 16% saying it’s not important (base 216). Lighting during the small hours was less important to those who don’t use
them during these hours. In comparison 77% of non late night road and footway users said it was important or very important, with 23%
saying it is not important (base 334).
The Current lighting - before and after
4.17.
The Spring survey was conducted prior to any street lighting works being carried out, with the Autumn survey being completed 6
months after the lighting had been changed, therefore providing a before and after perspective.
4.18.
Prior to the works being carried out (Spring), 72% of respondents felt that the current lighting was about right. Of the remainder
who felt that the lighting was not right, 3% felt that it was too bright whilst 25% felt it was too dim.
Fig 9a.
Fig 9b.
Q2. Is the current lighting too bright, about right or too
dim? (Spring, Base 451)
Q2. Is the current lighting too bright, about right or too
dim ? (Autum n, Base 563)
3%
4%
25%
28%
Too bright
About right
Too dim
72%
Too bright
About right
Too dim
68%
4.19.
In the Autumn survey, after the lighting had been changed, the proportion of respondents who thought the lighting was about
right had declined very slightly to 68%, with 28% saying the new lighting is too dim and 4% too bright. The differences seen between
the survey results is negligible.
13
4.20.
Females and those aged 40-59 years are significantly more likely than
males to say the new lighting is too dim. Foot way users also are more likely
to say the lighting is too dim compared to road users (37% foot users,
compared to 26% road users).
4.21.
Whilst the majority (66%) of late night users (between 12 and 5am)
think that the new lighting is about right, 31% think it is too dim and 4% too
bright (base 216).
Visibility
4.22.
The majority of respondents in both surveys felt that visibility on the
footway was good or very good. However, results from the Autumn survey
show that most respondents feel that visibility on the footway has improved,
with the proportion of respondents saying it is very good rising from 19% to
37%, with just over two fifths saying it is good. (Fig 10)
Fig 10.
Q1a. Visability after dark walking on the footway
70%
64%
60%
50%
42%
37%
40%
30%
20%
19%
19%
17%
10%
3%
7%
0%
Ve ry good
Good
Spring (Base 432)
Poor
Ve ry poor
Autumn (Base 536)
4.23.
A slight increase is seen amongst respondents who feel that visibility
on the footway is poor or very poor following the installation of the new
lighting.
4.24.
67% of after dark foot way users say visibility is good or very good
following the installation of the new lighting, a third rated visibility as poor or
very poor (Base 79). In the Spring survey 74% of foot way users felt visibility
was good or very good and 26% poor or very poor. Results indicate a
reduction in the rating of visibility amongst this group (base 58).
14
4.25.
In both surveys the majority of respondents felt that visibility on the
road was good or very good. A similar pattern is seen for visibility when using
the road, with the proportion saying that visibility is very good increasing by
13 percentage points to 32% in the Autumn survey. (Fig 11)
Fig 11.
Q1b. Visability after dark when using the road
70%
64%
60%
50%
45%
40%
32%
30%
20%
19%
18%
15%
10%
5%
2%
0%
Ve ry good
Good
Spring (Base 438)
Poor
Ve ry poor
Autumn (Base 540)
4.26.
The proportion saying visibility on the footway and road is poor or very
poor remains relatively unchanged between surveys. However, a notable
proportion of respondents in the Autumn survey say footway (26%) and road
visibility (23%) is poor or very poor, which should not be ignored.
4.27.
Looking at the Autumn survey, 80% of after dark road users (car / van,
taxi, Ring a Ride / Community transport, motorbike, cycle) rate the road
visibility as good or very good, with 20% rating it as poor (base 348).
However, in the Spring survey 84% of road users rated visibility on the road
as good or very good and 15% poor or very poor (base 290). These results
indicate a decrease in visibility according to road users.
4.28.
In the Autumn survey females were significantly more likely than
males to say that visibility using the road after dark is poor (22% females
compared to 12% males).
4.29.
Whilst street lighting is largely for the purpose of pedestrians and road
users, it is acknowledged that street lighting plays a role in feeling safe in
your own home. Results show that following the installation of the new
lighting, a larger proportion of residents say that the visibility from their front
door / window is very good, an increase of 11 percentage points. (Fig 12)
15
4.30.
However, a notable increase is also seen in the proportion saying
visibility from their front door / window is very poor, an increase of 9
percentage points.
Fig 12.
Q1c. Visability after dark from your front door / window
60%
56%
50%
37%
40%
31%
30%
20%
19%
20%
17%
10%
15%
6%
0%
Ve ry good
Good
Poor
Spring (Base 445)
Ve ry poor
Autumn (Base 558)
4.31.
In the Autumn survey females were more likely than males to say
visibility from the door / window is very poor (19% females compared to 9%
of males).
4.32.
Based on respondents who don’t go out after dark (65 people, Autumn
survey), 71% rated the visibility from their door / window as good or very
good, whilst 25% rated it as poor or very poor.
4.33.
Results from the Spring survey show that most respondents thought
that the (old) lighting provided good ground coverage (65%). (Fig 13)
4.34.
However, following installation of the new lighting, the proportion of
respondents who now think that lighting coverage at ground level is very
good has more than doubled. Prior to the new lights being installed 11% of
respondents said ground coverage was very good, following the installation
of the new lighting, this has risen to 29%. (Fig 13)
4.35.
46% of respondents to the Autumn survey felt that the new lighting
provided good ground coverage, compared to 65% in the Spring survey.
16
Fig 13.
Q3a. Lighting coverage at ground level
70%
65%
60%
50%
46%
40%
29%
30%
20%
19%
20%
11%
10%
4%
6%
0%
Very good
Good
Poor
Spring (Base 461)
Very poor
Autumn (Base 567)
4.36.
A fifth of respondents in the Spring and Autumn surveys felt that
ground coverage provided by the street lights was and remains poor. An
increase of 2 percentage points is seen in the proportion saying ground
coverage is very poor, rising from 4% to 6% after installation of the new
lights.
4.37.
Comparing responses between surveys shows that far more residents
rate the colour of the lighting as very good (Fig 14).
4.38.
In the Spring survey just 8% thought that the colour of the (old) lighting
was very good. Following the installation of the new lighting this proportion
jumps to 36%, an increase of 28 percentage points.
4.39.
Over half of all respondents to the Spring survey felt that the colour of
the lighting was good (56%), with very few saying it was very good (8%). Just
under a third felt the colour of the lighting was poor and 4% very poor.
Fig14.
Q3b. Colour of the lighting
60%
56%
50%
42%
40%
36%
32%
30%
20%
10%
16%
8%
4%
7%
0%
Very good
Good
Poor
Spring (Base 455)
Autumn (Base 566)
17
Very poor
4.40.
In the Autumn survey the proportion of respondents saying that the
lighting colour is poor has halved, falling to 16%, although a very small
increase is seen in the proportion saying the lighting colour is very poor.
4.41.
Results show that people feel the colour definition of objects in the
street has improved, with a quarter of Autumn respondents saying it is very
good compared to just 6% in the Spring survey. An increase of 19
percentage points. (Fig 15)
4.42.
Prior to the new lighting being installed, just over half of all
respondents felt that colour definition was good, however approaching two
fifths (37%) said that colour definition was poor. This figure drops to 24% in
the Autumn survey.
Fig15.
Q3c. Colour definition of objects in the street
60%
52%
50%
43%
40%
37%
30%
25%
24%
20%
10%
8%
6%
5%
0%
Very good
Good
Poor
Spring (Base 439)
Very poor
Autumn (Base 548)
4.43.
Whilst the majority of respondents feel that the colour definition of
objects in the street is now good or very good, a slight increase is seen in the
proportion who feel it is very poor (3 percentage points).
18
4.44.
Results show that more respondents now feel that visibility is very
good, with the proportion saying it is very good more than tripling, from 10%
to 31%. Two fifths feel visibility overall is now good.
Fig 16.
Q3d. V isability overall
70%
65%
60%
50%
41%
40%
31%
30%
20%
20%
17%
10%
10%
10%
5%
0%
Very good
Good
Poor
Spring (Base 458)
Very poor
Autumn (566)
4.45.
Around a fifth maintain that visibility overall, remains poor following the
installation of the new lighting. An increase of 5 percentage points is seen in
those saying visibility overall is very poor.
4.46.
Females are significantly more likely than males to say that visibility
overall is poor or very poor (33% of females, compared to 20% of males).
4.47.
In the Autumn survey, compared to road users, foot way users are
more likely to say visibility overall is very poor (19% compared to 7%).
LED lighting in Bloxwich
19
Visibility better or worse
4.48.
Respondents to the Autumn survey were specifically asked if they
thought various visibility aspects of the new lighting were better or worse
than the old lighting. For all aspects, colour, colour definition, coverage and
visibility overall, around half or more respondents felt it had improved (Fig
17).
4.49.
The greatest improvement was seen in the colour of the lighting, with
60% of respondents saying it was better.
Fig 17.
Q4 % Aspects of new lighting better or worse (Autumn)
Visability overall (Base 571)
50
17
30
2
Lighting coverage at ground
level (Base 576)
49
19
28
3
Colour definition of objects in
the street (Base 569)
47
Colour of the lighting (Base
568)
21
60
0%
20%
Better
W orse
60%
80%
Don't know
4.50.
Between 24% and 30% of respondents feel that aspects of the new
lighting are worse than before. Notable proportions feel that the new lighting
has made no change.
Feeling of safety – when walking in the local neighbourhood
4.51.
When interpreting this and the next question it must be noted that
respondents were not asked how safe they feel when out in the local
neighbourhood walking or when using the road, therefore the extent to which
respondents already feel safe is unknown. In addition there are many factors
that play a role in how safe people feel, not just lighting.
4.52.
The new lighting appears to have little effect on making people feel
safer when walking in their local neighbourhood. There is little change in the
proportion of respondents who strongly agree that the lighting makes them
feel safer when walking in the local neighbourhood after dark (Fig 18). Just a
3 percentage point increase is seen between surveys (13% to 16%).
20
4
24
13
40%
The same
28
3
100%
4.53.
A smaller proportion of respondents in the Autumn survey now agree
that the lighting makes them feel safer when walking, 57% down to 45% (a
decrease of 12 percentage points).
Fig18.
Q4a and Q7a Extent to which the current street lighting makes
people feel safer at night when walking in the local neighbourhood
60%
57%
50%
45%
40%
30%
25%
20%
13%
23%
16%
16%
10%
5%
0%
Strongly agree
Agree
Spring (Base 431)
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Autumn (Base 514)
4.54.
Around a quarter of respondents to both the Spring and Autumn
surveys disagree that the lighting makes them feel safer when walking in the
local neighbourhood.
4.55.
More people now strongly disagree. The proportion that strongly
disagrees that the lighting makes them feel safer when walking in the local
neighbourhood rises from 5% in the Spring survey, to 16% in the Autumn
survey, a difference of 11 percentage points.
4.56.
53% of after dark footway users agree or strongly agree that the new
street lighting makes them feel safer, however 43% disagreed (base 79).
Feeling of safety – when using the roads in the local neighbourhood
4.57.
The new lighting appears to have little impact on making people feel
safer when using the roads in the local area (Fig.19)
4.58.
In the Spring survey 12% of respondents strongly agreed that the
current lighting makes them feel safer when using the local roads, this figure
rises by just 4 percentage points to 16% in the Autumn survey, after the new
lights had been installed.
4.59.
Those saying they agree with the statement falls from 66% to 49%
between surveys (a drop of 17 percentage points).
21
4.60.
61% of after dark road users agreed that the new street lighting makes
them feel safer and 29% disagreed (base 355)
Fig. 19
Q4b and Q7b Extent to which the current street lighting makes people
feel safer at night when using the roads
70%
66%
60%
49%
50%
40%
30%
22%
19%
20%
16%
14%
12%
10%
4%
0%
Strongly agree
Agree
Disagree
Spring (Base 408)
Strongly disagree
Autumn (Base 496)
4.61.
Increases in the proportions who disagree and strongly disagree with
the statement are also seen, the largest being amongst those who strongly
disagree that the new lighting makes them feel safer when using the roads
(an increase of 10%).
22
Better or worse overall
4.62.
When asked to take everything into account, over half of all
respondents (55%) feel that the new street lighting is better. 13% say it is the
same.
Fig 20.
Q5. Is the current lighting in your street better, the
same or worse than the old lighting?
(Autumn, Base 583)
1%
31%
55%
Better
The same
Worse
13%
Don't know
4.63.
However approaching a third (31%) feel that the new lighting is worse.
Left the orange glow of the old sodium street lighting and right the more natural light
of the new LED street lighting in an alleyway in Bloxwich
23
Why people say the lighting is better
4.64.
55% of all respondents feel that the lighting overall is better. Most comments received related to the lighting being brighter, clearer
and sharper. Many comments referred to the colour of the lighting being better and that the coverage was better being focussed where it
should be. A number of people commented that the new lighting makes them feel safer and more secure.
Fig 21.
Reasons why respondents think the lighting is better
(Comments made by 233 people, multiple comments made, base for percents 240)
45%
24
3%
3%
1%
Looks better /
modern
5%
Less glare
5%
Cheaper /
environmentally
friendly /
efficient
5%
Too bright
before / less
light pollution /
doesn't shine
into house
Feel safer /
more secure
Better coverage
/ more
focussed where
it should be
Better colour
7%
More pleasant
atmosphere /
relaxing /
pleasing on the
eye
13%
Improved
visibility
15%
Brighter /
clearer /
sharper / more
natural / better
quality
50%
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
4.65.
Comments: Why do you say the lighting is better?
(All comments made are detailed in Appendix 3 available
separately)
1. "The new lighting is far brighter and cleaner looking, with obvious saving with
this type. Best thing done on this estate considering amount paid in council
tax."
2. "Visibility of the street and objects such as cars and people are clearer this is
good by us as we are on the end next door to King Georges park and have
had some trouble in the past."
3. "It is a more natural brighter light"
4. "When I look out of my window you can see things more clearly and it makes
you feel safer"
5. "Current lighting is better because it’s brighter and shows more ground area
when walking in the dark. Lighting allows everything to be seen more clearly."
6. "Much better level of lighting - less light pollution and more light where
needed."
7. "The lighting doesn't shine as bright into bedrooms at night. Light is more
concentrated at ground level."
8. "New whiter lights naturally produce a brighter light/glow. This makes me feel
much safer! In the winter, it makes me feel more alert and emotionally
positive. I think lighting is more important than we realise."
9. "The current lighting seems to make a more pleasant atmosphere, more
relaxing"
10. "Much more natural looking, more pleasing to come home to at night"
11. "I am partially sighted and find I see things better"
25
Fig 22. Word cloud of comments: Why do you say the lighting is better? www.wordle.net
26
Why people say the lighting is worse
4.66.
31% of respondents feel that the lighting is worse. Many of the comments received mentioned that the coverage was reduced,
leaving areas of darkness between columns which they did not like. Others felt that the new lighting is too dim and not as bright as the old
ones. A number of comments referred to the fact that the new lighting lights up a smaller area, leaving frontages (gardens and driveways)
and other areas in darkness and shadows, as a result some people felt less safe and that some areas now in darkness posed a risk to
personal safety and security.
Fig 23.
Reasons why respondents think the lighting is worse
(Comments made by 155 people, multiple comments made, base for percents 194)
25%
23%
22%
20%
16%
15%
11%
10%
10%
6%
4%
5%
3%
2%
2%
Lights up
inside house /
keeps me
awake
Too bright
0%
Poor / narrow W as brighter
Property /
Security
coverage /
before / too
drives /
issues / areas
spotlights /
dim /
bushes in
in darkness /
areas of
inadequate darkness / not feel less safe
darkness
lit like before
between lights
Reduced
visibility in
street
27
Gloomy / cold / Visibility from
Prefer old
errie / harsh / house reduced colour / don't
creepy
like white
colour
4.67.
Comments: Why do you say the lighting is worse?
(All comments made are detailed in Appendix 3 available
separately)
1. "Old lighting covered a better area. New lighting also now shines through
our bedroom window, lighting up the room even with curtain drawn
together."
2. "Looking up stairs onto your garden is very dark, the older lighting was
much better because you could see all your garden, now you can not
which makes it better for thieves."
3. "Area around house extremely dark. Ideal for house thieves and car
thieves as cannot be seen from street. Only light area is immediately
under street lamp. Very distracting when driving as light blinds when
underneath it and then extremely dark else where. Terrible system."
4. "Its more like spot lights rather than a broader light and it looks cold and
uninviting."
5. "The amount of light emitted from the new lamps is considerably lower
than the old ones and has a much smaller footprint"
6. "Can't see objects, light forms one circle of light other areas very dark. It
looks like car headlights when you are in your home"
7. "The white light is better for colour but doesn't cover the radius/area as
before, so there are dark patches between lampposts."
8. "Because the colour is horrible - it makes your eyes ache and it looks like
industrial unit lighting - bring back the orange lighting"
9. "Lights shine down under post, the light does not spread around the road
and gardens"
10. "Too bright for me. I have epilepsy"
11. "Shining into bedroom, lit up like a Christmas tree, keeping us awake"
12. "The new lighting is far too bright and sterile, we can't even watch the TV
in the front room. We have to close all the curtains as it lights all the inside
up too much"
13. "From the bedroom, it is not possible to tell what is going on across road
unless private security lights are lit"
14. "Gloomy, cold, less effective. Overall lighting inferior to previous lighting."
15. "I do not like the lights at all. I am 74 and my husbands 79. We do not feel
safe at all, as we did with the old lights."
28
Fig 24 Word cloud of comments: Why do you say the lighting is worse?
www.wordle.net
29
5. Conclusion
5.1. Results have shown that street lighting in local neighbourhoods is important
to road users and pedestrians, as well as those who do not venture out after
dark. Lighting roads and pavements during the small hours (12am to 5am)
remains important, but less so as fewer people travel between these hours.
5.2. The greatest improvement can be seen in the colour of the lights, however
not everyone agrees, with some people preferring the ‘all round glow’ of the
old lights.
5.3. Overall, the view of most residents is that new LED lighting is an
improvement on the old lighting, however this view is not an overwhelming
majority. Whilst more people now say that visibility and ground coverage on
the road and footway is very good, some feel that there has been a general
loss in the wider coverage, with the more concentrated LED lighting creating
areas of darkness that used to be lit by the old lights. This has impacted on
visibility from the door / window and has for some had a negative effect on
their sense of safety and security. As well as assessing coverage (areas of
darkness and light pollution in homes), reassuring residents of crime and
safety in the area where LED lighting is installed may be of benefit.
5.4. It is impossible to address everyone’s specific lighting needs and wants.
Individual perceptions of street lighting can differ greatly depending on a
range of factors including the proximity of a street light and location and
orientation of someone’s home, the presence of physical barriers, seasonal
changes, the weather, personal issues such as health conditions and even
the type of curtains someone has.
5.5. Some people describe the new lighting as having created a whole new more
positive atmosphere and feeling in the area, while others describe a sterile,
cold environment. Further more focussed qualitative research may be
required to understand particular issues in more detail.
30
6. Demographic profile of respondents
Demographic profile
Spring
Autumn
Number
%
Number
%
477
23
591
29
Male
231
49
254
44
Female
241
51
327
56
20-39 years
54
12
69
12
40-59 years
189
42
247
44
60+ years
211
46
248
44
No children
357
82
398
76
1-2 children
70
16
113
22
3 or more children
11
3
11
2
Yes
104
22
113
20
No
325
70
410
72
No, but someone in my household does
35
8
46
8
Total and response rate
Gender
Age group
Children in household
Disability / long-term illness
31
Appendix 1
Questionnaires (Spring and Autumn)
32
Bloxwich Street Lighting - Resident's Survey
Your views will be used to evaluate this street lighting project and inform future schemes in the borough. Anyone in this
household can complete this questionnaire. This questionnaire is also available to complete online and a .pdf version is
also available should other members of the household wish to respond, visit: www.walsall.gov.uk/street_lighting
When answering these questions think only about the public lighting in the street where you live after dark prior to the
works taking place. In this questionnaire we ask you to think about 'your local neighbourhood'. When answering, please
consider your local neighbourhood to be your street and the streets immedately surrounding your home.
Current provision of street lighting
1.
Thinking about the lighting in your street, please rate each of the the following. Tick one box only on each row.
Very good
Good
Poor
Very poor
Does not apply
/ don't know
Visibility after dark when walking on the footway .............
Visibility after dark when using the road ..........................
Street visibility after dark from your front door /
window.............................................................................
2.
Do you think that the current lighting in your street is too bright, about right or too dim? Tick one box only.
Too bright
3.
About right
Too dim
Thinking about the current lighting in your street after dark, please rate each of the following. Tick one box only
on each row.
Very good
Good
Poor
Very poor
Does not apply
/ don't know
Lighting coverage at ground level ....................................
Colour of the lighting........................................................
Colour definition of objects in the street...........................
Visability overall...............................................................
4.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Tick one box only on each row.
Strongly agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
disagree
Does not apply
/ don't know
The current street lighting makes me feel safer at
night when walking in my local neighbourhood ................
The current street lighting makes me feel safer at
night when using the roads in my local
neighbourhood i.e. when driving, cycling .........................
5.
How important or not important are each of the following to you? Tick one box only on each row.
Very
important
Important
Not
important
Not important
at all
Roads in the local neighbourhood are well lit during the hours of
darkness .......................................................................................................
Pavements in the local neighbourhood are well lit during the hours of
darkness .......................................................................................................
Roads and pavements in the local neighbourhood are well lit in the
small hours (12am - 5am) .............................................................................
Lights (the lanterns) are attractive.................................................................
The council reduces public spending on energy bills ....................................
Public street lighting is energy efficient .........................................................
Travel in your local neighbourhood
6.
How do you usually travel to and from your home when it is dark? Tick the ONE you do most often.
Do not travel after dark
Go to question 9
On foot - walk / jog
Go to question 7a
Car / van - drive yourself
Go to question 7b
Car / van - passenger
Go to question 7b
Taxi
Other, please state
Go to question 7b
Ring and Ride / Community
Transport
Go to question 7b
Motorbike / moped / scooter
Go to question 7b
Cycle
Go to question 7b
Other - please state below
Go to question 7
7.
Generally, how frequently do you travel in your local neighbourhood after dark by foot or by road? Tick one box
only on each row.
Almost every day
7a
Travel after dark on foot .........................
7b
8.
Travel after dark by road ........................
At least once a
week
About once a
month
Less often that this
Never
Generally speaking, how frequently, if at all, do you travel in your local neighbourhood by foot or by road
between the hours of 12.00am and 5.00am? Tick one box only.
Almost every
day
At least once a
week
About once a
month
Less often than
this
Never
Reporting a problem with street lights
9.
In the last 12 months have you noticed any broken street lights or problems with street lights anywhere in the
borough of Walsall? Tick one box only.
Yes
10.
Go to question 14
Did you report the problem with the street light? Tick one box only.
Yes
11.
No
Go to question 10
No
Go to Q12
Go to Q11
Why didn't you report the problem with the street light? Tick all that apply.
Assumed it was being dealt with /
already been reported
Didn't know who to contact
No time to report it
Waste of time reporting it
Was just passing through
Did not have the relevant information
to report it e.g. location or column
number
The broken street light did not directly
affect me
The broken street light was not a
major problem
Too time consuming to report
Not my responsibility
Other - please state below
Other, please state
12.
NOW GO TO QUESTION 14
How did you report the broken or problem street light? Tick all that apply.
Telephone
13.
On line
Face to face
Thinking about the last time you reported a problem with a street light in the borough of Walsall, please rate
each of the following. Tick one box only on each row.
Very good
Good
Poor
Very poor
Don't know
Does not
apply
The ease of reporting it..................................................
The member of staff who dealt with you (the person
who took the details of the problem street light) ............
The time it took to repair the problem street light...........
The street light reporting service overall ........................
About you
Your answers to the following questions will help us better understand the results.
14.
Are you...?
15.
What is your age. Please state.
16.
How many children aged under 16 or under are living at this address. Please state.
17.
Do you have a long standing health problem or disability (including problems which are due to old age) which
means you have substantial difficulties doing day to day activities or the work you can do? Tick one box only.
Male
Yes
Female
No
No, but someone in my household
does
Thank you, please return in the FREEPOST envelope provided by 2nd April 2012.
For more information about street lighting and this questionnaire please contact:
Elizabeth Thomas, Public Lighting PFI Manager, Walsall Council
Telephone 01922 65 2555 Email thomase@walsall.gov.uk
LOCATION ID XXXX
Bloxwich Street Lighting
Resident's follow up survey - Autumn 2012
Your feedback from this survey and the one we ran in March 2012 is being used to evaluate this street lighting project
and inform future schemes in the borough. Anyone in the household can complete this questionnaire.et_lighting
When answering these questions think only about the new public lighting in the street where you live after dark.
In this questionnaire we ask you to think about 'your local neighbourhood'. When answering, please consider your local
neighbourhood to be your street and the streets immedately surrounding your home.
Please respond by Monday 3 December 2012.
This questionnaire is also available to complete online www.walsall.gov.uk/street_lighting
Current provision of street lighting
1.
Thinking about the current lighting in your street after dark, please rate each of the the following. Tick one box
only on each row.
Very good
Visibility after dark when walking on the footway ............
Visibility after dark when using the road .........................
Street visibility after dark from your front door /
window............................................................................
2.
1
About right
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
3
Too dim
Thinking about the current lighting in your street after dark, please rate each of the following. Tick one box only
on each row.
Lighting coverage at ground level ...................................
Colour of the lighting.......................................................
Colour definition of objects in the street..........................
Visability overall..............................................................
Good
Poor
Does not
apply / don't
know
Very poor
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
And for each of the following aspects, is current street lighting better, the same or worse than the old lighting?
Tick one box only on each row.
Better
Lighting coverage at ground level ...................................
Colour of the lighting.......................................................
Colour definition of objects in the street..........................
Visability overall..............................................................
5.
Very poor
2
Very good
4.
Poor
1
Do you think that the current lighting in your street is too bright, about right or too dim? Tick one box only.
Too bright
3.
Good
Does not
apply / don't
know
The same
Worse
Don't know
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
Taking everything into account would you say the current lighting in your street is better, the same or worse
than the the old lighting. Tick one box only.
Better
1
The same
2
3
Worse
Don't know
4
6.
Why do you say this? Please write in below.
7.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Tick one box only on each row.
Strongly
agree
Agree
Does not
apply / don't
know
Strongly
disagree
Disagree
The current street lighting makes me feel safer at
night when walking in my local neighbourhood ...............
1
2
3
4
5
The current street lighting makes me feel safer at
night when using the roads in my local
neighbourhood i.e. when driving, cycling ........................
1
2
3
4
5
8.
How important or not important are each of the following to you? Tick one box only on each row.
Very
important
Roads in the local neighbourhood are well lit during the hours of
darkness ......................................................................................................
Pavements in the local neighbourhood are well lit during the hours of
darkness ......................................................................................................
Roads and pavements in the local neighbourhood are well lit in the
small hours (12am - 5am) ............................................................................
Lights (the lanterns) are attractive................................................................
The council reduces public spending on energy bills ...................................
Public street lighting is energy efficient ........................................................
Not
important at
all
Not
important
Important
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
Travel in your local neighbourhood
9.
How do you usually travel to and from your home when it is dark? Tick the ONE you do most often.
1
Do not travel after dark
2
On foot - walk / jog
Go to question 10a
Car / van - drive yourself
Car / van - passenger
3
Go to question 10b
Go to question 10b
7
Go to question 10b
8
Cycle
4
Go to question 10b
Go to question 10b
Other - please state below
5
Taxi
6
Ring and Ride /
Community Transport
Motorbike / moped /
scooter
Go to question 11
Go to question 10b
9
Go to question 10
Other, please state
10.
Generally, how frequently do you travel in your local neighbourhood after dark by foot or by road? Tick one box
only on each row.
At least once a
week
Almost every day
10a
Travel after dark on foot .......................
10b
11.
Travel after dark by road ......................
About once a
month
Less often that
this
Never
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Generally speaking, how frequently, if at all, do you travel in your local neighbourhood by foot or by road
between the hours of 12.00am and 5.00am? Tick one box only.
Almost every
day
1
At least once
a week
2
About once a 3
month
Less often
than this
4
Never
5
Any other comments?
12.
Please leave any other comments you wish to make in the box below.
About you
13.
Your answers to the following questions will help us better understand the results. Your answers will never be
reported alongside anything that could identify you.
Are you...?
Male
1
Female
2
14.
What is your age. Please state.
15.
How many children aged under 16 or under are living at this address. Please state.
16.
Do you have a long standing health problem or disability (including problems which are due to old age) which
means you have substantial difficulties doing day to day activities or the work you can do? Tick one box only.
Yes
1
No
2
No, but someone in my
household does
3
Thank you for your response.
Please return in the pre-paid envelope provided by Monday 3 December 2012.
If you did not receive or cannot find the pre-paid envelope please post to:
Bloxwich Lighting Survey Autumn 2012, FREEPOST WL424, Walsall Council, Darwall Street, Walsall WS1 1TP
Appendix 2
Streets where existing lanterns will be changed to LED lanterns
FP = footpath
MUIRFIELD CLOSE
MUXLOE CLOSE
NAIRN ROAD
NEATH ROAD
NEATH WAY
NETLEY ROAD
NETLEY WAY
RAGLEY CLOSE
RALSTON CLOSE
REDBOURN ROAD
ROCHE ROAD
ROCHE WAY
SADDLEWORTH ROAD
SAND BANK FLATS
SAUNTON ROAD
SELSDON ROAD
SMITH HOUSE/THOMAS HOUSE EST
SUNNINGDALE WAY
SUNNINGDALE WAY TO FORMBY WAY FP
SUNNINGDALE WAY TO SAUNTON RD FP
THE BERKSHIRE
TINTERN CR CAR PARK
TINTERN CRESCENT
TREVOSE CLOSE
TROON CLOSE
TURNBERRY LANE / CARNOUSTIE CL FP
TURTON CLOSE
VERNON WAY
VERNON WAY TO GLASTONBURY CR FP
WALTON HEATH
WENTWORTH ROAD
WERNETH GROVE
WETHERBY ROAD
WOODBRIDGE CLOSE
YELVERTON CLOSE
ALDEBURGH CLOSE
ALNWICK ROAD
ASTBURY CLOSE
BELFRY CLOSE
BIRKDALE ROAD
BOOTH STREET
BURSLEM CLOSE
CHURSTON CLOSE
CLEEVE RD TO FURNESS CL FP
CLEEVE ROAD
CLEEVE WAY
COLLIERY DRIVE
COXMOOR CLOSE
ELGIN ROAD
ENVILLE CLOSE
FERNDOWN CLOSE
FORMBY WAY
FOSTER STREET
GANTON ROAD
GLASTONBERRY CRESCENT
GLASTONBURY CRESCENT
GARAGES
GLASTONBURY WAY
GLENEAGLES ROAD
GRANTOWN GROVE
HAVERHILL CLOSE
HOLLINWELL CLOSE
INGESTRE CLOSE
KEDLESTON CLOSE
LINDRICK CLOSE
LYTHAM GROVE
MARGRAM CRESCENT
MARGRAM TERRACE
MAXSTOKE CLOSE
MINEWOOD CLOSE
MOOR PARK
33