Campaign groups and officials have slammed Oxfordshire County Council's (OCC) proposals to reduce street lighting across the county.
Under the proposed scheme, street lighting would be switched off between 11pm and 6.30am, rather than remaining on all night.
While many have raised safety concerns - particularly for women - Oxfordshire County Council says policies have been implemented by numerous authorities and that studies demonstrate they reduce crime.
The authority says the scheme is expected to save around £400,000 per year.
Matthew Barber, the police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley has spoken out against the proposals, as well as Oxford Labour, which has launched a petition titled "Keep The Lights On".
Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, has publicly said she "strongly opposes" the "shocking" proposals.
This is a shocking proposal and @Oxford_Labour strongly opposes it. I am horrified that on a whim one man can make a decision that puts women in danger across the city and county without even consulting us. https://t.co/h5W0tT7FZo
— Susan Brown (@cllrsusanbrown) November 12, 2024
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"Criminals benefit from lighting, and select areas with lights over those without.
"The aim must be to switch off lights when people are not out and about, and to do so community by community, in co-operation with their local elected representatives.
"Late buses, last train, pub opening times, are obvious examples of events that can and will determine the sensible switch-off/ on times."
Lubna Arshad, cabinet member for a safer Oxford, said she is "deeply concerned" by the proposals.
"Darkened streets create an environment that fosters antisocial behaviour and crime, putting our most vulnerable residents at increased risk—this is unacceptable," said Ms Arshad.
"Although the county council conducted an Equality Impact Assessment, they have failed to address how this policy will impact women specifically, nor have they consulted Oxford City Council’s Safer Streets lead.
"This proposal disregards public safety concerns raised in the Violence Against Women and Girls agenda, ignoring both actual and perceived risks, particularly for women.
"Every resident in Oxfordshire has the right to feel safe in their community.
"I stand in unity with the police, local communities, and the Labour Party in strong opposition to this divisive policy."
Numerous councillors, including Ms Arshad, have sent letters to the deputy leader of the county council, Dr Pete Sudbury.
In her letter, Ms Arshad described the proposals as "dangerous" and said the absence of consultation is a "concerning oversight".
Oxfordshire County Council says town and parish councils, as well as Thames Valley Police and District Council Community Safety, will be "welcomed and encouraged" to review the proposal and make recommendations and comments based on local knowledge and community feedback.
"How an earth did they think they could get away with such a high-handed approach towards Oxfordshire residents and visitors?"
Anne Stares, IOA (Independent Oxford Alliance) councillor for Littlemore ward, said: "This will affect everyone, but women and girls will be particularly vulnerable.
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"Data from the End Violence Against Women Coalition shows that one in two women do not feel safe walking alone at night in quiet streets near their homes, compared to one in seven men.
"This highlights the importance of street lighting in enhancing safety and in considering anything less should inform residents of where the importance of their safety sits with this administration."
City councillor and deputy leader Anna Railton also slammed the proposals.
"It would've been good for all of us to hear about quite a detailed proposal to turn off a large proportion of street lights more than a week in advance," said Ms Railton.
"There was a rape at the bottom of Abingdon Road last week so everyone is understandably a bit on edge about safety in underlit spaces.
She added: "I doubt a woman would've come up with this proposal.
"We move through the world in a different way, because we have to, and perceptions of risk and safety on our streets can be very different.
A spokesperson for OCC added: "The paper containing the proposal was presented to Cabinet in 2022, and no objections were voiced.
"The length of time taken in preparing this paper indicates the amount of research including discussion with Thames Valley Police and other authorities that have already switched off lights at night, to try to anticipate problems."
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