Seagulls are fooling street lights into shining 24 hours a day – with their droppings.
They already wake us up at the crack of dawn and rip open our bin bags.
Now, the birds could be causing dozens of the city’s 19,000 lighting columns to shine all day, every day.
Brighton and Hove City Council admitted “day burners” were “not a good advertisement for the city” but claimed the lights did not cost the taxpayer any more due to the way energy was measured.
The local authority has set out plans to replace orange and yellow lights with white ones which, it believes, will almost halve carbon emissions and running costs.
A dozen lights were spotted on in Ladies’ Mile Road, Sunnydale Avenue and Dale Crescent in Patcham, Brighton, by a concerned resident who claimed they had been on for seven months.
The local authority said one of the reasons for “day burners” is that seagulls and other birds’ droppings mask the photocell on top of the metal posts which makes the system believe it is night time all the time.
However, it said the main cause, as was the case with those in Patcham, was operator UK Power Networks changing some of its cable network without informing the council.
Council workers said they relied on the public informing them about “day burners” as they only inspected at night.
When they were informed, the local authority said it acted to resolve the situation quickly.
Speaking before the general issue is discussed at a town hall meeting on Wednesday, March 7, Gill Packham, the council's street lighting manager, said: “There are no plans to turn off lights. “Brighton and Hove is an urban area and any changes would be discussed with local councillors, residents and the police. We fully understand that people may have concerns about community safety.
Patcham ward councillor,Geoffrey Theobald, said: “It is very aggravating for residents to see street lights blazing away during the day when they are constantly being told by the authorities they should be conserving energy.”
The local authority said an individual 140 watt white lights costs £56 a year to run while 250 watt orange ones cost £140.
They add the carbon dioxide emissions would also be reduced a similar amount to 334 from 626 (a reduction of 47%).
Mrs Packham added the council was also considering trialling LED lanterns which would also have |similar affects.
If you want to report “day burners” or any other issues with street lights can call 01273 292929 or go to streetlighting@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel