Biggest light polluters could escape new law

Government buildings criticised for causing light pollution could be exempt from tough new rules, it emerged today.

An Evening Standard investigation recently found dozens of prominent government offices failing to turn off their lights at night. Under a new draft Bill this is set to become a statutory offence, enabling people to take on neighbours whose lights stop them sleeping. Offenders could face fines of up to £50,000.

However, it emerged today that key producers of light pollution around London, including many government buildings, airports and even bus stations could be exempt.

Tom Oliver, the head of rural policy at the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said today: "We need to be extremely careful of this Bill as it passes through Parliament. There is a real risk the Government will slip through exemptions for many of its own buildings. Even airports pose a problem. Of course main buildings and runways need to be exempt but what about the massive car parks? At the moment they are all exempt."

Mr Oliver said: "We've had reports of the London 'mushroom of light' from many, many miles away. I think London is really the key to reducing light pollution."

The Clean Neighbourhoods Bill is also set to give local authorities new powers to deal with noise pollution, allowing them to enter premises and turn off house alarms, although if they want to break in they will still require a warrant. The Bill will also allow parish councils to impose fixed penalties for litter, dogfouling, graffiti and fly-tipping.