Introducing Light Pollution Control to Central London?

Malcolm G. Smith (AURA/CTIO, Chile), Derek McNally
(U. of Hertfordshire, UK),  Carolita Smith-Maraboli
(Environment Agency, UK), Nigel Pollard (NEP Lighting, UK).

The upward light flux from an area of 2030 sq. km
around central London in 1997, has been estimated by
Isobe (1998) from satellite imagery as equivalent to
29 million KWh per year. At a cost of 5p per KWh,
this upward energy would correspond to 1.45 million
pounds sterling per annum.  It is as yet unclear what
percentage of this is direct, wasted light.

Recent digital images of London from the International
Space Station provide a spatial reference to the primary
sources of such upward light.

A brief status report is presented describing early efforts
to introduce into the “London Plan” concepts for
controlling light pollution and improving visibility through
the use of cost-effective amounts of quality, low-glare
lighting.

A summary of relevant testimony to the House of
Commons Select Committee looking into the effects of
Light Pollution on Astronomy will also be included.