<
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/jul/18/let-there-be-night-digital-billboards-to-be-turned-off-to-curb-light-pollution-under-melbourne-city-proposal>
"Large digital billboards could be turned off late at night under a proposal by
Melbourne city council to crack down on light pollution and reduce its health
and environmental impacts.
A review, commissioned by the council, recommended the introduction of a curfew
for illuminated signs above ground level.
It comes amid growing research into the impact of light pollution on sleep and
circadian rhythms.
The Greens councillor Rohan Leppert, Melbourne city council’s planning lead,
said it was reasonable to consider powers to ensure the effects of bright
lights could be reduced.
“Just as we turn noise off through local laws before 7am, we don’t want a
situation where signs are so bright when no one is watching them – but they
have the capacity to keep people awake,” he said.
The review recommended the council create location-specific lighting
requirements for three “signage areas” – the capital city zone (which includes
the central business district); Docklands, commercial 1 & 2 and industrial
areas; and mixed-use areas residential areas.
The review proposed banning above-ground illuminated signage between midnight
and sunrise on Monday to Thursday nights, and 1am to sunrise on other days.
The curfew would be implemented within Melbourne’s capital city zoned areas to
minimise the impact of artificial light at night in the city.
“In all other areas of the city where pedestrian activity at night is even
lower, then the above-ground illuminated signage should be switched off between
11pm and sunrise throughout the week,” the review said.
“Business identification signage in all areas where the premises are open would
be exempt.”"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
