Slough Borough Council has announced that a significant increase in energy costs necessitates annual savings of £112,000 by dimming its street lights, with energy bills having more than doubled from 2021 to 2023. Meanwhile, Oxfordshire County Council has paused its plan to switch off most of its 60,000 street lights overnight amid safety concerns raised by residents. While the proposal aimed to reduce artificial light for health and wildlife benefits, critics argue it may compromise safety, particularly for vulnerable individuals traveling at night. One local expert highlighted the risks of unlit areas, suggesting that it may lead to increased reliance on taxis, potentially counteracting environmental goals.