ON REFLECTION, I am not too happy at the substantial reduction in street lighting during night time hours.

Admittedly, there is a resultant financial saving, but this saving could be even greater if all street lighting were to be switched off at all times. Consequently, it is a matter of weighing up the potential costs and benefits against one another. This would include an assessment of safety factors.

In the first instance, road safety in terms of traffic accidents involving cars, lorries, motorbikes, etc, then personal safety with pedestrians perhaps walking on pavements which are obstructed with litter of one sort and another.

Accidents can cost a lot to local authorities, where folk trip over uneven paving stones. With a lack of lighting, the risks are magnified.

Not everyone starts work at 9am – council office workers might – but shop workers nowadays may start their working day before 6am, for example Tesco at the Washington Buildings.

Michael O'Neill

Railway Terrace

Penarth