Darkness causes fear: Herzberg remains without street lights!

Darkness causes fear: Herzberg remains without street lights!

Since 2022, there has been a darkness in Herzberg am Harz that has struck a chord. Local authorities have decided to completely switch off nighttime street lighting. This came despite numerous protests from local residents who expressed concerns about increasing falls and a possible increase in crime. But the city is pursuing one goal with this measure: energy conservation and environmental protection. How news38.de reports, the decision to leave the lights off should also be understood in the context of an alarming development: half of the butterflies in the Harz are moths, whose populations are seriously endangered by light pollution.

The head of the Herzberg police station, Frank Grube, is trying to allay the fears of the residents. He emphasizes that the city is safe at night, although the darkness often creates a feeling of unease. Statistics show that the likelihood of becoming a victim of violence at night is extremely low.

Problems with street lighting

However, street lighting in Herzberg is not just an issue related to environmental and safety issues. In fact, many of the existing lamps are defective or flicker. Recent reports show that numerous street lights in various parts of the city continue to fail or have problems. For example, the lighting on Edelweißstrasse and Gothaer Ring has been defective for a long time. Residents repeatedly report lighting problems, which not only make walking at night more difficult, but also affect the feeling of security. According to a report by Resin energy The responsible authorities are working on correcting the deficiencies, but the numerous reports show that there is still a lot to be done.

This situation raises questions: How can a city committed to implementing environmental and energy saving measures simultaneously address the needs of its citizens for safety and orientation? Isn't environmentally friendly lighting that also increases safety the perfect solution? Experts agree that modern, energy-efficient lighting technology can not only significantly reduce electricity consumption, but also increase the quality of life of people in the city.

The influence of light on nature

But it's not just people who suffer from light pollution. The NABU warns urgently that increasingly bright night lighting has negative effects on insects, birds and bats. Billions of insects die every year due to artificial light, which also puts a strain on the climate. Nocturnal insects responsible for pollinating important plants are attracted by artificial light sources, leading to a decline in pollinators. Environmentally friendly lighting could not only protect butterflies and other animals, but also significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

Overall, the city of Herzberg is now faced with the challenge of finding a compromise. How can the safety of citizens at night be reconciled with the necessary environmental and energy protection measures? This balancing act will determine how livable and safe Herzberg am Harz can remain in the future.