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SECTION 4 - INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS
Excessive levels of illuminance and glare, which is inappropriate to its need and which has been poorly designed, directed, operated and maintained, will cause much artificial light nuisance. Simple remedies, such as re-aiming or screening, should be sufficient in many cases. The first stage is investigation of the complaint. In a report produced in 2006 for DEFRA by Temple entitled 'Assessment of the Problem of Light Pollution from Security and Decorative Light' the following extract was proposed for the investigation of obstrusive light complaints.
Planning controls offer another rmethod of controlling light nuisance and conditions may cover such matters as:
- hours of illumination;
- light levels;
- column heights;
- specification and colour treatment for lamps and luminaires;
- the need for full horizontal cut-off;
- no distraction to the highway;
- levels of impact on nearby dwellings;
- use of demountable columns;
- retention of screening vegetation;
- use of planting and bunding to contain lighting effects;
- erection of demonstration luminaires; and
- review of lighting impacts after installation.
Similar control methods may be appropriate when dealing with light nuisance issues.
The periodic, often deliberate, flickering of light used for advertising can prove to be distracting and like glare, promote degrees of irritation, annoyance and distress. The rate of flicker and the duration of exposure can cause over-stimulation of electrical activity to the human brain. Over exposure to and excessive stimulation by flicker and similar lighting such as strobe lighting has been known to induce attacks in people who suffer with epilepsy or migraine.
In addition to this guidance there is useful guidance provided in CIE Publication 150:2003 Guide on the limitation of the effects of obtrusive light from outdoor lighting installations Published by the "International Commission on illumination ( CIE) and also Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light Institution of Lighting Engineers ( ILE) 2005 [ http://www.ile.co.uk]. A copy of the relevant parts of these documents follows.
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