Olympian backs call to switch on street lights

Not acceptable for women to feel unsafe outside after dark through cost-cutting

- BY STEPH SPYRO

Jo wins gold at the 2014 European Championships

CHAMPION long-distance runner Jo Pavey is urging councils to put the safety of women and girls first by keeping street lights on.

Jo, who represented Team GB at five Olympics on the trot, said darkening the roads from 1am to 5am — as around half of English authorities do — robs them of their independence and freedom.

She said: “Reducing street lighting hours is not the right place to be looking at saving money. There are so many reasons why women need to be walking on the streets at night, these reasons are often not a choice. Street lighting increases safety, women are able to see ahead and be confident and aware of their surroundings. It enables them to be seen by others.