Street lights in Basildon will be fully illuminated all night this autumn, addressing residents concerns about safety.
Gavin Callaghan addressed a full council meeting. He stated residents want brighter lights and confirmed the council will work with Essex County Council. They plan for lights on all night at full brightness. This starts in autumn later this year.
The brighter lights may help reduce crime. They could support late-night workers. Carers and shift workers may find it beneficial. Pat Rackley believes this change helps many, but the savings from lights off are uncertain, she noted.
Basildon Council previously paid for lights, but Essex County Council manages them. The council paid hundreds of thousands earlier. In 2019, full-time night lighting returned after being stopped back in 2014. The council paid about £300,000 yearly in 2023.
Essex Highways acknowledged they work with Basildon, discussing highways and lighting topics. They haven’t seen a formal request about Basildon lights returning to full brightness, and they ask residents to report issues online using the “Tell Us” tool.