scope:

This Guide is an update of Publication 150:2003 which sets out guidelines for assessing the environmental impacts of outdoor lighting and gives recommended limits for relevant lighting parameters to contain the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting within tolerable l evels. As the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting are best controlled initially by appropriate design, the guidance given is primarily applicable to new installations; however, some advice is also provided on remedial measures which may be taken for exis ting installations.

The Guide specifically refers to the potentially adverse effects of outdoor lighting on nearby residents (e.g. of dwellings such as houses, hotels, hospitals), users of adjacent roads (e.g. vehicle drivers, pedestrians, cyclists), sightseers and transport signalling systems (e.g. air, marine, rail), and on astronomical observations.

The effects of lighting on the natural environment can be difficult to quantify. When there are fields, mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and/or coastline, located close to a lighting installation, there is the possibility, depending upon the season, of the lighting having an adverse effect on insects, plants and animals within the area.

This Guide does not deal with the environmental impacts associated with the daytime appearance of outdoor lighting systems, including their support structures.

The Guide is intended for reference by the following:

(a) Planning bodies, particularly local government authorities, to assist in assessing the potential obtrusiveness of outdoor lighting installations.

(b) Designers of outdoor lighting as an aid to producing lighting systems which control obtrusive effects to an acceptable degree.