SURREY County Council and Surrey Police have bowed to pressure from opposition councillors to review the controversial policy to turn off thousands of street lights across the county.

In an attempt to save £210,000 a year, the county council adopted a ‘Part Night Lighting Policy’ in 2016. This involved switching off the majority of lights between midnight and 5am.

The decision was always controversial, but has come under added scrutiny following the death of Sarah Everard and increased focus on women’s safety.

During last month’s full council meeting, Surrey leader Cllr Tim Oliver said if the police asked for Surrey’s street lights to be turned on, the council would do so.

Lib Dem councillors at last week’s Police and Crime Panel asked the commissioner to do just that. And Surrey’s Police and Crime commissioner David Munro confirmed he was fully supportive of the council and police discussing street lighting and will get the police to contact the council.

Will Forster, Lib Dem county councillor for Woking South, said: “Street lights provide an important element of safety and security for residents, especially pedestrians.

“The Lib Dems and I have never thought plunging areas into darkness for a significant part of the night was a good idea, and I am pleased the county and police will now consider having street lights on at night.”

Fiona White, Lib Dem county councillor for Guildford West, added: “We try to encourage people to walk or cycle instead of using their cars but they will only make that change if they feel safe.”