With Christmas just weeks away, streets across the UK are beginning to sparkle. But beyond the festive glow, many public spaces grow darker, emptier, and, for some, more intimidating.
As the clocks go back and winter sets in, our towns and cities face a familiar challenge: how to keep people moving, safe, and confident after dark. One of the simplest and most effective tools at our disposal is thoughtfully designed, well-placed outdoor lighting.
DARKNESS CHANGES HOW PEOPLE MOVE
Research commissioned in 2024 by This Girl Can* revealed that nearly three-quarters of women change their outdoor activity routines during winter. That’s a sharp rise from just 46% the year before. Many now avoid unlit areas altogether, reroute their journeys, or cut them short to stay within better-lit zones.
Lighting isn’t just about how places look. It changes how people feel and behave. Well-lit environments help deter crime, reduce the risk of accidents, and give people the confidence to go about their routines safely. When lighting is poor, public spaces become underused and unequal, with access shaped by fear rather than freedom.
LIGHTING THAT SUPPORTS SAFER, MORE INCLUSIVE SPACES
For local authorities and contractors, lighting is more than an infrastructure asset. It’s a tool that supports safer, more inclusive communities.
From roads and bridges to parks, walkways, car parks, and building surrounds, outdoor lighting plays a vital role in keeping people safe and places active throughout the darker months. It encourages movement, supports wellbeing, and keeps cities running long after sunset.
DESIGNING FOR SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Better lighting doesn’t have to mean more energy use or more light pollution. With the right products and design approach, it’s possible to deliver meaningful safety benefits without harming the environment.
One example is the DOGO range from Heper - a collection of DarkSky Approved wall-mounted luminaires. These luminaires feature full cut-off optics and minimal upward light spill, making them ideal for underpasses, building perimeters, and service areas. They offer high-performance, low-glare illumination where it’s needed most, with a design that respects the night sky and surrounding environment.
PRODUCTS TO CONSIDER THIS WINTER
If you're reviewing your outdoor lighting strategy, these product ranges offer reliable, human-scale options for keeping spaces safe and accessible:
- Wall Luminaires – Ideal for underpasses, building surrounds, and car park perimeters
- Bollard Lighting – Low-level lighting for parks, pathways, and shared spaces
- Architectural Post Tops – Aesthetically pleasing yet highly functional for civic areas and streetscapes
These solutions are built for long life, easy maintenance, and performance in all weather conditions.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Winter lighting isn’t just about visibility. It’s about creating spaces where people feel safe and confident, whether they’re heading home from work, exercising outdoors, or simply enjoying their community.
With careful planning and the right equipment, it’s possible to reduce risk, increase access, and support safer public environments, without compromising on sustainability.
Want to explore lighting solutions that work better for winter?
Visit our product range or contact the CU Phosco team for tailored advice.