FEAR of the dark is one the few base instincts hard-wired into the human brain and to be scared of the unknown is only natural, but are these apprehensions grounded in reality?
Trials of similar schemes in Maldon and Uttlesford have not shown an increase in crime, but crime dropped nationally anyway. And in Bristol and parts of the Midlands crime dropped by as much as 50 per cent.
Revealed - the streets to be plunged into darkness after big light switch-offSo are burglars as afraid of the dark as the rest of us? Does this mean thieves are less inconspicuous if they have to carry torches around whilst committing their crimes?
Most people will be tucked up safely in bed when the lights are turned off, but for those walking the streets after midnight, the prospect of not being able to see where you're going must seem a daunting one.
The county council argues it will save money, but the scheme will take at least six years to break even.
Cllr Rodney Bass, the man behind the plans, would not speak to us directly, instead issuing a statement via the authority's press office.
Our attempts to photograph the central hub at County Hall that will eventually control the county's street lights were also rejected because they were worried it did not look impressive enough!
What do you think of the plans?
