FOUR in every five street lights across Dorset are turned off for at least part of the night, it has been revealed – as drivers say darkened streets make them feel more vulnerable.

Information released under the Freedom of Information Act reveals that, of 37,372 street lights that Dorset County Council is responsible for, 30,948 – more than 80 per cent - are switched off for a period of time during the night. A policy to turn street lights off after midnight was rolled out in Dorset in 2011 after being trialled in rural villages. It came as Dorset County Council looked to save money, and research by Dorset Police suggested that there was no link between lights being switched off and rates of crime. The county council said the policy saves £500,000 every year. But research carried out by Confused.com, which also compiled the research on the number of street lights switched off across the country, found 84 per cent of drivers feel visibility is compromised. when the lights are switched off.

And one third (34 per cent) admitted they have struggled to see pedestrians when street lights have been off. Two in three did not feel safe parking their cars on roads with no street lighting while 44 per cent believe their car is more at risk of being broken into if the lights are dimmed or switched off.

Nationally, one in three of the UK’s street lights are dimmed or switched off.

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, says: “While there are a number of cost and carbon saving reasons for councils dimming street lights, the effect is clearly being felt by drivers nationwide.

“With plans for further dimming and switch-off regimes across the country, we would urge motorists to be extra vigilant when driving on lowly lit streets by slowing their speed and keeping an eye out for pedestrians.

“Pedestrians should also make an effort to wear bright clothing when walking on roads at night, particularly if heading down roads with no street lighting.

“Drivers who have concerns about the safety of parking on shadowy roads can review the security features of car parks up and down the country and book overnight parking using Confused.com’s parking tool.

“For tips on driving in the dark, visit our guide.”

A spokesman for Dorset County Council said: “The lights switched off in Dorset are only on quiet residential roads -all our traffic routes, town centres and high risk areas (e.g. roundabouts, unfenced quays etc.) remain lit all night, if they are lit at all.

“Each year the policy saves around £500,000 in energy on roads that have very little, if any, use between midnight and 5.30am.”