Recurring concern

Inadequate outdoor safety lighting

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First reported 26 Feb 2014•Latest report 28 Nov 2025

Definition

What this concern includes

Includes reports identifying absent, poor, uneven or obstructed lighting in outdoor areas such as roads, crossings, railway environs, venue grounds and other public-access locations.

Not included

  • Excludes deficiencies limited to warning signs, barriers, fencing, vegetation or other controls unless inadequate lighting is itself identified.
  • Excludes indoor or domestic lighting arrangements that are not part of an outdoor public or operational safety setting.
  • Excludes general darkness or poor visibility where no lighting deficiency or lighting control is identified.
Reports
44

Distinct published reports

Individual concerns
47

A report can raise multiple concerns

Date range
2014–2025

First to latest report issue date

Stated actions
26

Described in published responses

Reports over time

Reports over time

Reports about this concern issued each year.

* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.

Most frequent recipients

Most frequent recipients

Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.

National Highways6
Recipient name withheld5
Durham County Council4
Cumbria County Council3
Department for Transport3
Warwickshire County Council3
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council2
Bradford City Council2
Essex Highways2
Network Rail2
Transport for London2
Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council2
Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust1
Amey plc1
Balfour Beatty A50 DBFO route management1

Concerns and responses across reports

Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

  1. Cornwall

    AI-generated summary

    Christopher Tristam Broom · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Christopher Broom fell into the water while fishing from the harbour wall at Charlestown on the night of 6 September 2015 and drowned; it was unclear how he fell, and he could not swim. Concerns included there being only one lifebelt, located some distance away and difficult to see, and no lighting at the end of the harbour wall, making the wall’s end and the lifebelt difficult to identify at night.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of lighting at the end of the harbour wall

    Wider context from the report

    “The first is that there was only one lifebelt available. This was some distance from where Mr Broom was fishing and was very difficult to spot. Witnesses thought a lifebelt may have helped Mr Broom to survive. The second is that there was no lighting at the end of the harbour wall so that visitors to the harbour at night could not judge where the wall ended and in addition made the aforementioned lifebelt almost invisible. ”

    Source location

    Christopher Tristam Broom · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  2. Essex

    AI-generated summary

    Erich Roland Speilmann · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Erich Roland Speilmann was struck by a vehicle while crossing Alderston Hill, Loughton, on 28 January 2015 and died later that day in hospital. The report identified the quality of the street lighting at the location as a possible contributing concern.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Poor street lighting at the location

    Wider context from the report

    “The quality of the street lighting at the location may have contributed to the incident. ”

    Source location

    Erich Roland Speilmann · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  3. Essex

    AI-generated summary

    Mr David John James Charles · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    On 29 November 2014, Mr David John James Charles was walking in the carriageway of Cranes Farm Road, Basildon, while under the influence of alcohol when he was struck by two cars and died from multiple injuries. The street lighting was switched off, and the report states that illumination would have improved his chance of being seen and given him a better chance of living.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Unavailability of street lighting on a road used by pedestrians

    Wider context from the report

    “It was a dark and dry night. The section of Cranes Farm Road on which Mr Charles was walking when he was struck is provided with a system of street lighting. The lighting was switched off at the time of this incident. In the case of each driver, the evidence was that they could have done nothing to avoid the collision. This was due to the lack of ambient light and lack of expectation of seeing a pedestrian in the carriageway. If the street lights had been illuminated it would have improved Mr Charles’s chance of being seen although this did not necessarily mean that either collision could have been avoided. It would, however, have given him a better chance of living. ”

    Source location

    Mr David John James Charles · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  4. West Yorkshire (West)

    AI-generated summary

    Nicholas Gary Stocks · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Nicholas Gary Stocks was struck and fatally injured by a vehicle after a collision at the junction of Dry Hill Lane and the A635 Barnsley Road in Huddersfield on 27 September 2012. The report raised concerns about damaged and poorly maintained give-way signs and road markings, inadequate reporting and repair systems, highway inspection practices, risk assessment, and coordination between West Yorkshire Police and Kirklees Council.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Potentially inadequate street lighting at road junction approaches

    Wider context from the report

    “West Yorkshire Police (1) I am concerned with the system that was in place to ensure that matters of concern identified by Officers of West Yorkshire Police who attend the scene of Road Traffic Collision in November 2011 were not fully reported to Kirklees Council. I would ask you to review the system presently in place to ensure that all future reports are made and fully reported (2) On the afternoon of the 27th September 2012 following the earlier road traffic incident, a Police Officer identified the need for a repair to the Give Way sign which had been demolished. The Police Officer in attendance would have been able to also identify that the road markings at the scene were no longer visible and therefore any road user who was travelling along Dry Hill Lane would have had no visible signs or road markings on the approaching Give Way junction. In essence the Officer would have been able to undertake a risk assessment and identify the level of urgency for remedial repair works to be undertaken. I would invite West Yorkshire Police to liaise with the relevant department of Kirklees Council and undertake a new review and consider whose responsibility it should be to undertake a risk assessment at the scene of a road traffic collision in order to determine the level of urgency of remedial work which is required to be carried out so as to ensure the safety of road users and to develop a system so as to ensure that risk assessment process is implemented and carried out. (3) I would also ask you to liaise with the relevant departments of Kirklees Council in order to carry out investigations to determine which departments of Kirklees Council was contacted on the afternoon on 27th September 2012 to report the damage to the give way sign. I heard evidence that Kirklees Council Customer Services, the relevant department which should have been contacted, and who are contactable between the hours of 8.00 and 18 hours. Outside of these hours an answer machine message provides an emergency contact number. If the control room unit had contacted the customer service centre then this telephone line should have been manned and a response received rather than sending an email which was acknowledged by an automated response. I wish to ensure that firstly West Yorkshire Police have the relevant contact number which needs to be used in the future and secondly if the Customer Service centre at Kirklees Council was contacted it clearly was not manned at the appropriate time, I wish to ensure this is rectified. Kirklees Council (1) I have concerns with the regard to the wide variation of how road inspections are undertaken by your Safety Inspectors. During the course of the enquiries undertaken by West Yorkshire Police a number of interviews were conducted with a number of safety inspectors. I have reviewed those interviews and note that there was a wide variation on how Safety Inspectors undertook inspections of a highway.. One Inspector indicated that they would inspect one side of the road one month, and when inspecting the road the following month would inspect the other side of the carriageway. Another Inspector indicated that they would inspect the whole of the carriageway on each inspection. Another Safety Inspector stated that the driver also had a role to place in inspecting the road in addition to driving the vehicle which transported the Safety Inspector who would be seated in the front passenger seat. (2) I have concerns with regard to how Safety Inspectors identify issues at the junction of two roads and which inspection has responsibility to consider matters at the actual junction. There appeared to have been vague and unclear responses from the Inspectors who gave evidence, as to whose responsibility it would be to actually inspect the junction of the two roads. (3) I was concerned that neither of the two Safety Inspectors who gave evidence, considered that the lack of road markings at the junction of Barnsley Road and Dry Hill Lane, and upon Dry Hill Lane itself posed a safety risk to road users and applying appropriate risk assessment should have been repaired I heard evidence from a highly qualified independent expert who was fully familiar with the Kirklees inspection policy and who stated that the lack of road markings at the junction with Barnsley Road and upon Dry Hill Lane itself, were identifiable and reportable defects applying Kirklees Council Policy criteria and should have been reported by the Safety Inspectors and repaired. In addition the independent expert stated that the poor state of the road markings would have been present for a considerable and significant period of time. Certainly, when each of the roads had last been inspected by a Safety Inspector from Kirklees Council. (4) I also have concern that there is no ongoing training and assessment of Safety Inspectors after initial training has been given so as to ensure consistency and appropriate standard levels of inspections are maintained. I would invite Kirklees Council to undertake a comprehensive review of the training of all of their Safety Inspectors and consider what further retraining requirements are required now and in the future. (5) I would refer you to the comments I have made in the West Yorkshire Police section of this report in respect of the operation of Kirklees Council’s Customer Service Centre. I would ask you to liaise directly with West Yorkshire Police and review and ensure the Customer Centre Service facility is fully operational at all relevant times (6) I would also ask you to liaise with West Yorkshire Police in respect of the comments made in the West Yorkshire Police Section of this report concerning risk assessments when a road traffic collision occurs and West Yorkshire Police in attendance and identify the need for repair works to be undertaken, so as to ensure that an immediate risk assessment is undertaken to safeguard members of the public. (7). From details provided in the course of this investigation, it appears that remedial work was required to be undertaken by Yorkshire Water at the junction with Barnsley Road and Dry Hill Lane. This work was to identified on 13th March 2010 and the 5th March 2012, but there was no record that such work had been undertaken, and no follow up was implemented by Kirklees Council, so as to ensure that this work was carried out. I would invite you to review your systems so as to ensure that work is undertaken by other agencies and checks made to ensure that all necessary works are completed. (8) Evidence at the inquest also revealed that members of the public had reported the lack of road markings to Kirklees Council, some months prior to this incident occurring. Although Kirklees Council records show no further action required. I am concerned with regard to this finding in light of the evidence provided to me by the independent expert who confirmed that the lack of road markings was clearly a defect which fell within the Councils existing guidance as an identifiable defect which required rectification. I would invite you to review the present system that Kirklees Council has in place with addressing complaints made by members of the public in respect of the roads and highways which fall within your designated area. 9. I understand that major road works have been undertaken by Kirklees Council at the scene of this incident. However, at the inquest it was clear that the speed limit still remains to be 50 mph. I would invite you to review the speed limit not only on Dry Hill Lane, but also Barnsley Road and Lower Denby Lane. I would request you to review the street lighting along Lower Denby Lane and Dry Hill Lane at their approach to the junction with Barnsley Road and whether any additional lighting is required. ”

    Source location

    Nicholas Gary Stocks · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 4 · concerns

    Open source report

  5. Warwickshire

    AI-generated summary

    Julius CATACHANAS · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Julius Catachanas, aged 25, died following a road traffic collision while driving at night on Campden Road, where his car collided with a lorry at the junction with the Fosseway. Concerns were raised about the absence of street lighting and whether the junction should be staggered to prevent vehicles crossing the Fosseway straight through.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Absence of street lighting at the junction

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) I was concerned that street lighting was not present at this junction ”

    Source location

    Julius CATACHANAS · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Implement a street-lighting scheme to improve junction visibility at night.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• In view of the number of injury collisions that occurred in the hours of darkness, a street lighting scheme will be implemented to make the junction more visible at night;”

    Source location

    Response from Warwickshire County Council
    Page 2 · response
    Published 1 May 2015

    Open published response

  6. West Sussex

    AI-generated summary

    Elliott Bignall · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Elliott Bignall, aged 17, died from multiple injuries after being hit by a train at Langsmead Foot Crossing in Ferring, West Sussex, on 9 September 2014; the death was recorded as accidental. Concerns included poor lighting and inadequate warning signage at the crossing, and the risk that people using headphones or phones might not hear or see an approaching high-speed train.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Poor lighting at the foot crossing

    Wider context from the report

    “Sergeant ████████ the investigating officer from BTP gave evidence to the Inquest and described the foot crossing at Langmeads as horrendous. He said the location of the foot crossing was poorly lit and there was inadequate signage at the site warning pedestrians of the dangers associated with the crossings. My concerns are that individuals wearing headphones or on the phone, who are unaware of the dangers associated with the crossing, may not hear or see the high speed train approaching. This could lead to further fatalities. ”

    Source location

    Elliott Bignall · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  7. Inner South London

    AI-generated summary

    Maria Nekrasova · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Maria Nekrasova was struck by a licensed taxi while standing in the hatched area in the middle of Westminster Bridge carriageway at about 1.50 am on 4 May 2014, sustaining a severe traumatic head injury from which she died. Concerns included the absence of pedestrian barriers or protection in the carriageway, low and contrasting street lighting, and vehicle headlight glare affecting drivers’ ability to see pedestrians.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Inadequate night-time lighting of the bridge carriageway

    Wider context from the report

    “(2) At night the level of street lighting is low, the lamp standards producing pools of light which have the effect of leaving contrasting areas of the carriageway in relative darkness; ”

    Source location

    Maria Nekrasova · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Carry out a detailed investigation of lighting levels and light distribution across Westminster Bridge by August 2015.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The light output from each of the ‘heritage’ lighting points on the bridge is similar to that provided from conventional street lights. However, TfL will be carrying out a detailed investigation of the lighting levels and the distribution of light over the bridge by August 2015. Following the outcome of the investigation, we will consider what alterations might be appropriate or possible, taking into account the physical constraints of providing additional lighting points across the bridge deck and in such a historic location.”

    Source location

    2015-0141-Response-by-Transport-for-London
    Page 2 · response
    Published 20 February 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Consider appropriate or possible alterations to Westminster Bridge lighting after completing the lighting investigation.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The light output from each of the ‘heritage’ lighting points on the bridge is similar to that provided from conventional street lights. However, TfL will be carrying out a detailed investigation of the lighting levels and the distribution of light over the bridge by August 2015. Following the outcome of the investigation, we will consider what alterations might be appropriate or possible, taking into account the physical constraints of providing additional lighting points across the bridge deck and in such a historic location.”

    Source location

    2015-0141-Response-by-Transport-for-London
    Page 2 · response
    Published 20 February 2015

    Open published response

  8. West Sussex

    AI-generated summary

    MRS HILARY MOOCK and MRS JANICE TAYLOR · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Mrs Hilary Moock and Mrs Janice Taylor sustained fatal injuries in a road traffic collision on 28 September 2013 while travelling as passengers near the entrance to St Mary's Farm and Benges Cottages. The report identified concerns about the unlit rural road, limited visibility, unclear entrance, uneven unmade road surface and the potential risk to vehicles slowing to turn into the entrance.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of lighting at the road location

    Wider context from the report

    “(2) The location of this accident is in a dark unlit area and there is no clear indication that there is an entrance into St Mary's Farm and Benges Cottages. This is a difficult turn to make from the Northerly approach as the line of sight to the brow of the hill is only 90 metres. ”

    Source location

    MRS HILARY MOOCK and MRS JANICE TAYLOR · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Additional lighting is not considered necessary because the route is rural, lighting would be disproportionate, and it could distract drivers.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “2. The route is a rural road in the heart of the South Downs National Park and as such, in common with other rural roads, is unlit. The start of the entrance is indicated by a bridleway direction sign (to diagram No 2610 Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002) sited at its junction with the A285, which serves as a marker. St Mary’s Farm, Benges and Benges Cottages are private destinations and it would be expected that visitors with private vehicular right of access would be familiar with the location of the entrance. Lighting for the route would be both disproportionate to benefit and would be contrary to light pollution minimisation within such a rural setting. Specific lighting for such a junction would be a distraction rather than a benefit to drivers.”

    Source location

    2015-0020-Response-by-West-Sussex-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 23 January 2015

    Open published response

  9. Powys, Bridgend and Glamorgan Valleys

    AI-generated summary

    Stephen John Owens · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Stephen John Owens was fatally injured in a running-down accident on the Ely Valley Road on 29 August 2013. Concerns related to an unilluminated street lamp, another lamp obscured by foliage, and the resulting level of illumination possibly affecting the driver's ability to see him.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Obscuration of street lamp 18 by overhanging foliage

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) Street lamp number 19 situated on the pavement to the north bound carriageway of the Ely Valley Road was unilluminated at the time of the collision. (2) Street lamp number 18 again on the pavement adjacent to the north bound carriageway of the Ely Valley Road was obscured by overhanging foliage. (3) Consequent upon (1) and (2) the level of illumination in the proximity of the collision was likely to have had an effect upon the ability of the driver to see the deceased ahead of him on the south bound carriageway. ”

    Source location

    Stephen John Owens · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure of street lamp 19 to provide illumination

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) Street lamp number 19 situated on the pavement to the north bound carriageway of the Ely Valley Road was unilluminated at the time of the collision. (2) Street lamp number 18 again on the pavement adjacent to the north bound carriageway of the Ely Valley Road was obscured by overhanging foliage. (3) Consequent upon (1) and (2) the level of illumination in the proximity of the collision was likely to have had an effect upon the ability of the driver to see the deceased ahead of him on the south bound carriageway. ”

    Source location

    Stephen John Owens · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  10. Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire

    AI-generated summary

    Harold Gordon Henshall · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Harold Gordon Henshall, an elderly man with limited mobility, was struck by a vehicle while crossing Church Street, Leek, on 17 February 2013. He suffered multiple injuries, was admitted to hospital, and died on 27 March 2013. Concerns were raised that street lighting and crossing facilities near St Edwards Church were inadequate, particularly for predominantly elderly church users.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Inadequate street lighting near St Edwards Church

    Wider context from the report

    “a) That the level of street lighting on Church Street, Leek in the vicinity of St Edwards Church is inadequate generally and particularly on the nearside of the Macclesfield bound carriageway. Evidence at the inquest from local residents familiar with the location and police evidence suggested that the street lighting was poor and patchy, thus increasing the risk to pedestrians who choose to cross the nearby car park upon leaving church. It is particularly relevant to church users who are predominantly elderly. ”

    Source location

    Harold Gordon Henshall · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report
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Data last updated 7 September 2026