The Public Works Department occasionally receives requests for additional street lighting. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers.

When is a street light request approved?
Street lighting is installed at roadway intersections for the safe movement of traffic in dark conditions. A mid-block streetlight may be installed on a long continuous block if roadway conditions warrant it.

Will the City install a street light for pedestrian safety?
Street lighting for pedestrians is installed at pedestrian crossings. Public areas with frequent pedestrian activity may also receive street lighting for pedestrian safety.

Will the City install a street light for personal safety?
Residents often see more street lighting as the best way to prevent crime and vandalism in their neighborhoods. However, there is no clear connection between crime reduction and increased street lighting. The best security lighting is that which is placed exactly where it is needed–on porches, in yards, and at entrances.

The following are the best ways to increase home security:

Porch lighting
Turn on your porch light. You can have your porch light connected to a photo cell which will automatically turn on your porch light when it becomes dark. Knowing that your porch light is on when you are not at home can add to your confidence that your home is secure.

Motion detection lighting
Motion detection lighting is the single most effective way to increase the security of your home besides locking your doors. These lights use very little energy because they only come on at night when activated by motion within their range.

Consult a professional
Speak with a qualified professional to look at your specific home security needs. Security lighting can not only increase your sense of personal safety, but it can increase the attractiveness of your home as well. Pathway lighting can immediately enhance the look of your home while increasing safety and security.

Neighborhood Watch
A Neighborhood Watch group is an association of neighbors who look out for each other’s families and property. They alert the police to any suspicious activities or crime in progress, and work with each other and the Police Department to solve the problems of their community.

To start a Neighborhood Watch group, organize a meeting with your neighbors and invite a representative from the Police Department to give a Neighborhood Watch presentation. From there, neighborhood maps, block captains, and neighborhood action plans can be developed.

The Santa Cruz Police Department website at www.cityofsantacruz.com/departments/police is a great source for more information, or you can call the Police Department at 420-5800.

For more information, please contact:

Transportation Coordinator Joanna Edmonds at jedmonds@cityofsantacruz.com or (831) 420-5187.

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