Dark Streets, Dark Fears: Hertfordshire's Street Light Switch-Off is Endangering Our Communities – Sign the Petition Before It's Too Late!
Imagine walking home after a late shift, the chill of an autumn evening biting at your heels, only to plunge into pitch-black streets where shadows hide threats you can't see.
For women and girls across Hertfordshire, this isn't a nightmare—it's the new reality imposed by Hertfordshire County Council's decision to dim and switch off hundreds of street lights.
As darkness falls earlier this October, the fear of attack isn't just paranoia; it's a very real concern that's leaving residents, especially our most vulnerable, feeling exposed and unsafe.
In late August 2025, the council reprogrammed 1,293 street lights—out of over 75,000 total—from full-night operation (dimmed but always on) to "part-night lighting," turning them off for up to four hours between 1am and 5am year-round.
While the council touts modest savings of £14,000 annually in energy costs and a tiny reduction of 8.6 tonnes in carbon emissions, these figures pale in comparison to the potential cost to public safety. High-risk areas like junctions and pedestrian crossings are exempt, but quiet residential streets—where women and girls are most likely to walk alone—are now shrouded in unnecessary gloom.
ReformUk county councillors have been sounding the alarm, demanding an urgent review of the entire street lighting strategy.
"This isn't about the environment; it's about cutting corners at the expense of our communities," one councillor stated, highlighting how the policy could create "no-go zones" after dark, amplifying anxiety for pedestrians, cyclists, and those with disabilities.
And they're right. In a county where violent crime rates already worry families, turning off lights isn't just inconvenient—it's an invitation to danger. Women and girls, who statistically face higher risks of assault in low-visibility areas, deserve better than penny-pinching policies that prioritise budgets over basic security.
But here's the good news: You can make a difference. We're launching a powerful petition to demand the council reverse this reckless decision and restore full-night lighting to keep our streets safe. We need over 1,000 signatures by October 15th, 2025—just six days away—to qualify for presentation at the full council meeting, where your voice could force real change.
Every signature is a beacon of light against the darkness, a stand for the safety of our daughters, sisters, mothers, and neighbours.
Sign the Petition Now – It Takes Just 30 Seconds!
Don't wait for the next headline about an avoidable incident in the shadows. Hertfordshire's streets belong to all of us, and no one should fear the walk home. Join thousands of concerned residents already rallying for brighter, safer nights. Click that button, share with your friends and family, and let's flood the council with the light of collective action.
Together, we can turn the lights back on—and keep our communities shining.
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