For the artificial light to count as a statutory nuisance, it must either:
- unreasonably and substantially interfere with someone's use of their home
- injure health, or be likely to injure health, based on the average sense of judgement.
See the the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for more information.
If you are affected by light from a neighbouring property, for example domestic security lights, you should speak to your neighbour and ask them to adjust the lighting.
If problems are not resolved, an officer will investigate and make a decision on whether the light is causing a nuisance.
Report a problem
You can report a light pollution problem to us by email: pollution@croydon.gov.uk
If we agree that a statutory nuisance is being caused, we will serve an abatement notice. This requires whoever is responsible to stop or restrict the light. The notice will usually be served on the person responsible but can also be served on the owner or occupier of the premises.
How to avoid causing light pollution
To avoid causing light pollution, do not:
- fit unnecessary lights
- use excessively bright lights; a 150 watt tungsten halogen lamp is quite adequate. 300 or 500 watt bulbs are too powerful for domestic security lighting.
- leave lights on when they are not needed, consider controlling lights with passive infra-red detectors, ensuring that they are correctly aligned and installed. For a porch light that is going to be left on all night, a nine-watt compact fluorescent lamp is normally adequate.
Some commercial premises are exempt from this legislation, for example tramways, bus premises and goods vehicle operating centres, a full list of exemptions can be found on GOV.UK.
Natural light is not covered by statutory nuisance laws.