Excessive artificial lighting in cities not only causes damage to the ecosystem but also to human health, and the Junta de Andalucía is formulating new regulations relating to ‘light pollution’.
Málaga province is one of the biggest offenders in the whole of Spain when it comes to the emission of artificial light at night. This not only results in increased energy costs, energy consumption and the production of pollutants, it also has an effect on the health of the local population, visual disorders, anxiety and sleep disorders being just some of the problems encountered.
The new regulations, being drawn up by the Environment Department of the Junta de Andalucía, will allow for fines of up to €60,000 for offenders, be they institutions or individuals.
The new regulations provide that, for decorative lighting, the light must shine downwards. Such lighting must be switched off between 00:00 and 06:00 in the winter and between 01:00 and 0:600 in the summer. Municipalities may provide for exceptions in the case of monuments or sites of particular historic and artistic interest, but these would have to be justified and approved.
The illumination of posters, billboards, advertisements and illuminated signs would only be permitted at night if they show functional information on places providing a social service and when such places are actually operating.
As for Christmas lights, regulation is left in the hands of the local municipalities with the proviso that such lighting should minimise pollution and optimise energy consumption.
The regulations will also prohibit lighting of beaches and areas of coastline not forming part of the urban nucleus except where safety is concerned or in the case of an emergency or an authorised special event.
Existing light installations will not have to be changed immediately to conform with the new regulations as there will be a three year transition period.