Light pollution

Light pollution is unwanted light from street lights, neon signs and other sources of artificial light.

Local authorities have a duty to investigate complaints of artificial light which may be causing a nuisance, although not from premises such as airports, railway premises etc, where light is needed for security and safety.

As there are no set levels of light to determine what is a statutory nuisance, a number of factors will be taken into account including the duration, frequency and impact of the light. 

For artificial light to be a statutory nuisance the light must be excessive or producing an unreasonable level of light for the area and must be affecting you in your property, e.g. the light directly illuminates your bedroom window.

If an informal approach explaining the issue to the person responsible fails you may wish to contact Newport City Council.

The case officer may judge that the light is annoying but not classed as a statutory nuisance. 

Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows an individual to take action through the magistrates court based on the grounds that you are aggrieved by light amounting to a nuisance.

You should seek legal advice before following this route.