Calls to reduce light pollution 'backed by CPRE survey'

Most people feel their view of the night sky is spoiled by artificial light, a survey suggests.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is calling for more control on the likes of street lighting and neon signs to cut down on the problem.

Its survey of 1,745 people in the UK conducted with the British Astronomical Association found 83% of people have been affected.

About 50% of respondents also said their sleep has been disrupted.

The CPRE says that light pollution wastes money, is damaging to the environment and seriously detracts from the beauty of the sky at night.

Planning guidance

It says comments from the survey ranged from sadness and regret to frustration and fury.

Despite efforts to tackle the issue in recent years, campaigners say councils, businesses and householders must take steps to cut levels of light pollution.

There are also calls for an introduction of planning guidance to ensure a long term solution.

According to the campaign coalition, from 1993 to 2000 - the most up-to-date figures available - light pollution in England increased by a quarter and the amount of light-saturated night sky rose to 7%.

I'm angry that we are no longer able to enjoy a dark garden or clearly see the night sky. It's like having to inhale a smoker's cigarette smoke Emma Marrington, CPRE

It added that altogether councils spend £532m on street lighting each year and the lights can account for around 5 to 10% of a council's carbon emissions.

Emma Marrington, rural policy campaigner at CPRE, said: "Light pollution is an unnecessary waste and detracts from the natural beauty of the night sky, it's understandable that it makes people angry...

"The costs of not acting are clear: Unnecessarily high energy bills for councils, and therefore for local taxpayers, more carbon emissions, disrupted sleeping patterns for people, disturbance to wildlife, and a night sky bereft of the majesty of the Milky Way."