- Yes, I am worried.
I think that the insecurity will increase significantly if you start turning off the lights and that can also create opportunities for crime, because they are not visible, says Kerstin Andersson, social scientist at the Housing Authority, to the radio.
The risk of accidents increases
She cites rape, drug dealing and assault as examples of crimes that risk increasing when outdoor environments become darker.
The risk of accidents also increases, especially for people with disabilities.
One of the municipalities that will implement savings of this type is Scania's Höganäs, where a third of the street lighting will be switched off starting this week.
"The municipality must take a stand"
According to Kerstin Andersson, it is important that public shutdowns are preceded by a thorough risk analysis.
- Then it is very important to weigh the consequences of various measures;
perhaps safety versus energy-saving measures that the property owner or the municipality must decide on.