February 1, 2016 – Pedestrians feel safer in streets illuminated with White light than in those illuminated with ‘Sodium-Yellow’’, even when the former may be more polluting in certain aspects.

That is the conclusion of research carried out by University of Granada scientists belonging to the departments of Civil Engineering and Social Psychology. Among other variables, they analyzed how 275 pedestrians’ perceived safety and well-being when walking by streets with particular illuminance types and levels.

The pedestrians were given a test just after walking by the streets when public lighting was On (so that their answers were not conditioned by their memories or other perceptions unrelated to the study).

Among other results, the researchers have determined that the pedestrians’ reaction to all kinds of subjective matters—in each and every case—increases with the increase in illuminance levels.

Most academic and professional studies about public lighting have been centred on objective and quantitative aspects, say the researchers; that is, the design of more-economical and more-efficient installations, compliance with applicable regulations, new technologies, etc. The Grenada researchers insist not enough attention has been paid to the perceived safety by pedestrians who use that lighting.

PHOTO: A street illuminated with White LED light and another (below) with HPS (high-pressure sodium). Photo courtesy University of Granada.