Norfolk County Council's Infrastructure and Development Select Committee has called on Cabinet to review street lighting switch-offs across the county, after members raised concerns about the impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety.

The committee heard that around 20,000 streetlights across Norfolk operate on a part-night basis — a policy introduced back in 2009 to cut energy costs. Officers said that selected lights had also been fully switched off following reviews intended to identify low-risk locations, with a one-year trial finding no adverse effects.

However, members challenged those conclusions. Concerns were specifically raised about lighting on Hardwick Trading Estate in King's Lynn, where the switch-offs were said to affect people walking and cycling through the area. Members asked whether those decisions could be revisited.

A separate issue was flagged at Cromer Road in North Walsham, where lighting has been turned off but a planning application for a new hotel could mean the location now meets the council's own criteria for street lighting. Officers agreed to review that case.

Members also criticised how the public had been informed. Some residents and local councillors said they had been unaware of the 12-month trial before lights were permanently switched off. Officers confirmed that a countywide consultation had taken place and that relevant local members and parish councils had been notified — but the committee said future consultations should be community-focused to ensure people directly affected have a proper say.

The committee also heard that many vehicle-activated warning signs are nearing the end of their lives. Under a policy agreed by Cabinet in 2025/26, these will not be replaced unless a specific safety need can be demonstrated.

The committee formally recommended that Cabinet considers reviewing the switched-off lighting areas, weighing up both safety and active travel implications.