Controversial plans to switch off a thousand more street lights in Norfolk could put people off from walking or cycling, it has been claimed.

Norfolk County Council has already turned out a thousand lights across the county and is consulting on switching off a further thousand, as part of cost-cutting measures.

Switching off street lights could put people off cycling and walking, a county councillor has warnedSwitching off street lights could put people off cycling and walking, a county councillor has warned (Image: Antony Kelly) The latest proposals are to turn out the lights in 132 streets, mainly in industrial areas, to save £200,000 and to reduce carbon emissions.

READ MORE: List of Norfolk roads where street lights could go off

Jim MoriartyJim Moriarty (Image: West Norfolk Council)

But Jim Moriarty, independent county councillor for Gayton and Nar Valley in the west of Norfolk, raised concerns that such a move could hinder attempts to persuade people to walk or cycle to work.

Mr Moriarty expressed his concerns at a meeting of the Conservative-controlled council's infrastructure and development select committee.

He said: "There's a vast amount of money and effort being spent and invested in trying to promote active travel.

"The truth is, we're trying to persuade people to forsake the car and get on a bike when it's windy, it's wet and there's lorries going past.

"It's a really difficult argument to win, but it's one that needs to be won. We do need to persuade people and we're spending a lot of time and effort on it.

"I worry that this [turning out street lights] is counter intuitive. We're going to be turning off the lights. People go to work in industrial estates - they go to and from the towns to work.

"And any small change, if they feel the lights are dimmed and they are in danger, they won't cycle, so we're battling against ourselves."

Switching off street lights could put people off cycling and walking, a county councillor has warnedSwitching off street lights could put people off cycling and walking, a county councillor has warned (Image: Bill Smith)

Officers said there could be scope for some of lights to remain on for part of the night, rather than being switched off completely.

The proposal is part of the county council's proposals to make £45m of cuts and savings in the budget next February.

The consultation, which runs until Monday, December 16 is at https://norfolk.citizenspace.com/consultation/budgetconsultation2025-26/