Light nuisance
What does the law say about Light nuisance?
The Environmental Protection Act 1990, as amended by the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005, places a duty on the council to investigate complaints of nuisance caused by some artificial light sources.
If light is found to be causing a statutory nuisance by affecting health or materially interfering with the use and enjoyment of a neighbouring property, then a legal notice requiring abatement of the nuisance may be served to the person responsible. Failure to comply with the notice can result in a criminal prosecution.
Exceptions
Street lighting cannot be dealt with under Statutory Nuisance provision, as a street cannot be defined as a premise.
Some premises are exempt from the legislation, such as premises used for transport purposes and other premises where high levels of light are required for safety and security reasons. These include:
- Airports
- Harbours
- Railway premises
- Tramway premises
- Bus stations and associated facilities
- Public service vehicle operating centres
- Goods vehicle operating centres
- Lighthouses
- Prisons
- Premises occupied for defence purposes
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