Unwanted artificial light ruining your night?
Australia has an accepted industry standard which place limits on glare, spill light to abutting properties and curfew hours:
AS/NZS 4282:2019 Control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting.
Limits are determined by zoning areas, becoming more strict depending on how dark the surrounding area is. For example, it restricts how much light can fall on the windows of residential buildings during pre-curfew (usually 11pm) and post curfew hours.
While the standard is not always mandatory it is enforced for applications such as sports field lighting and car park lighting, and can be requested for other areas such as street lighting and new developments.
To avoid the environmental impact and nuisance of obtrusive lighting, local government agencies should be insisting on AS/NZS 4282:2019 for all new projects involving new or upgraded lighting.
If you are experiencing nuisance from obtrusive or glary lighting we strongly suggest you call or write to your local council to complain, specifically referencing this standard.
If you would like more information, please feel free to contact us to ask about lighting standards.