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Original poster

CCTV and lighting, the government response.

35 replies

MiniTheMinx · 16/03/2021 10:35

More street lighting and CCTV, is that what we want?

More light pollution, and more surveillance. We are already the most watched nation, and already suffering the effects of light pollution. My thinking is this, that no amount of surveillance, or light, or punishment for crimes committed is going to address the causes of male violence. It seems to me that the government believes that leaving aside the structural and cultural roots of male violence is ok, they are want to play about looking serious in protecting women.

Am I wrong, is greater surveillance and lighting going to make us safe? does the end justify the means? even if the end result is a small reduction in risk?

OP posts:
YourWurstNightmare · 16/03/2021 10:50

From news reports, Sarah was captured on at least 4 different cameras in the ten minutes leading up to her abduction so I don't see how more CCTV will help.

Orchidflower1 · 16/03/2021 10:50

I totally agree @ItsAllGoingToBeFine this problem will not be solved with lighting and cctv alone. However other solutions will take longer than switching on the lights that are already there.

There needs to be a multi pronged approach to solving this, lighting and cctv is just one of the physical things that can be used alongside other methods.

Sadly educating, informing and changing the social and economic standing of women, reforming the criminal justice system and a whole host of other issues take time. I’ll take the lightbulbs and the cameras in the mean time.

SquirmOfEels · 16/03/2021 10:47

Since Friday, they have put solar powered (hired) lights on many of the paths on Clapham Common

Something that has been called for on and off for years. I'd bet good money that there are many other places where locals are calling for similar street improvements.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 16/03/2021 10:46

Surely surveillance (if not street lighting) has increased massively over the past ten years or so? Pretty sure VAWG hasn't reduced.

This is effectively the same as saying that women shouldn't walk in unlit areas or areas without CCTV. This isn't a problem caused by women, it's a problem caused men and lighting / CCTV won't help with that.

Orchidflower1 · 16/03/2021 10:44

And of course all the spare bulbs from the Downing Street refurb!

Orchidflower1 · 16/03/2021 10:43

@NiceGerbil

Is the lighting thing that they switch back on the lights they switched off to save money?!
I believe so!
2Rebecca · 16/03/2021 10:43

I'm about to complain about a new tall streetlight spreading light in the the bedroom windows as not shielded so the light goes everywhere not down at the road and pavements. More bright lighting isn't the solution

NiceGerbil · 16/03/2021 10:42

Is the lighting thing that they switch back on the lights they switched off to save money?!

LizzieSiddal · 16/03/2021 10:39

It seems to me that the government believes that leaving aside the structural and cultural roots of male violence is ok, they are want to play about looking serious in protecting women.

Exactly. It's a pathetic response, are need to come up with ways to stop male violence.

Orchidflower1 · 16/03/2021 10:38

It’s not the be all and end all as a solution but it’s a relatively quick and inexpensive stop gap towards solving a bigger problem. I’d take it over nothing and keep pushing for more.

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