Residents fear for safety over Winchester’s nighttime lighting policies

Many Winchester residents have spoken out, saying they feel unsafe at night.

Some have feared for their safety, claiming they cannot even see where “curbs start and finish” alongside Romsey Road.

While those who must travel home late due to unsocial working hours have expressed anxiety about walking home at night.

Earlier this year, Korine Bishop, chief inspector from Hampshire Constabulary, announced there was a 3.66% rise in night crime in Winchester.
 

Hampshire County Council took an approach in 2019, to tackle saving money by switching off street lights between 1am – 4am.

Yet earlier this year, they extended the switch-off by an hour each way.
 
Local councillor David Harrison said: “The evidence that more crime takes place because of a lack of lighting isn’t really there.”

As winter approaches, the growing unease among residents raises urgent questions about community safety and the effectiveness of current council lighting policies.

Despite this, approaches have been taken to ensure nighttime safety for younger people in Winchester.

Jessica Dunipace, from the Students’ Union welfare team, has urged students to “travel home with somebody and catch a taxi when possible” regardless of gender, race, or age.

Ms Dunipace also said that “despite Winchester being one of the safest cities, there are still incidents that can happen”.