It costs us $1,200,000 per year to light up our city so the crooks, thieves, street people and night people can see to carry out their intentions. I obtained the costs information from Tauranga City Council.
I raise this because, crime is increasing in the night and in the daytime. Street Lights are not stopping the crims but, I believe, showing them what is on offer at night and how to attack and get away. We are paying huge money for a system, that we believe keeps us safe but in fact makes us more at risk!
Why, I ask, do we pay huge money to light up our city all night? People tell me it is to keep us safe. Well, have you noticed it is not working. So, in conjunction with The Police, let's give a blackout after midnight a try to see if the crime rate at night drops. We will save about $500,000 for electricity straight away. The cost savings could run into $millions for the Police and The Courts.
Ken Evans, The Avenues.