Council wants your views on Richmond public lighting

Richmond public lighting could soon look rather different across town centres, parks and neighbourhoods, and the council is asking you where improvements are most needed. A series of consultation events begins next month, giving residents the chance to shape how lighting enhances the places you use every day.

The authority is hosting several events to gather residents’ perspectives on lighting strategy across the borough.

Where the council wants to hear from you

The first consultation takes place on Monday 7 September at Patch Twickenham.

Richmond upon Thames Council has scheduled a number of events designed to understand where lighting investment will make the most difference. The sessions focus on how lighting can enhance safety, atmosphere and usability across town centres, residential streets, parks and public spaces. You will have the opportunity to share your views on areas where lighting feels inadequate, overly bright, or simply not fit for purpose. The council is particularly interested in hearing from people who regularly use these spaces after dark, whether for evening walks, commuting, or accessing local amenities.

The consultation offers a rare chance to influence infrastructure decisions before plans are finalised.

What the council is looking to improve

Lighting affects how safe you feel and how much you use public spaces.

The authority’s consultation covers several key areas: town centre lighting that balances commercial vitality with residential comfort, neighbourhood street lighting that supports pedestrian safety without causing light pollution, park and green space illumination that extends usable hours while protecting wildlife, and public space lighting that enhances community gathering areas. These sessions will help the council prioritise where improvements deliver the greatest benefit. The results will inform future lighting policy and capital investment across the borough.

Your input now shapes which streets, parks and spaces receive attention first.

What this means for you

Attend the first consultation on Monday 7 September at Patch Twickenham if you have views on lighting in your area. If that date does not suit, watch for announcements about additional sessions across the borough. Come prepared with specific examples: the path in Richmond Park where you cut your walk short because it gets too dark, the street near St Margarets station where lighting makes you feel safer, or the residential road in Twickenham where glare from new LED units disturbs your sleep. The council is more likely to act on concrete, location-specific feedback than general comments. If you cannot attend in person, check the council website for alternative ways to submit your views during the consultation period.

This consultation gives you direct influence over lighting infrastructure that affects your daily routines and sense of safety. The first event is your earliest opportunity to ensure your neighbourhood’s needs are heard.

Frequently asked questions

When is the first lighting consultation event?

The first event takes place on Monday 7 September 2026 at Patch Twickenham. Additional sessions are planned across the borough, with dates to be announced.

What areas will the lighting consultation cover?

The consultation covers town centres, residential neighbourhoods, parks, green spaces and public gathering areas across Richmond upon Thames. The council wants to hear about any location where lighting affects your use of public space.

How can I share my views if I cannot attend in person?

The council typically offers online submission options during consultation periods. Check the Richmond upon Thames Council website for details of how to submit written feedback or participate in online sessions.

Will the consultation address light pollution concerns?

Yes. The consultation specifically asks for views on balancing safety and usability with light pollution concerns, particularly in residential areas and near parks where wildlife may be affected.