Identify your needs. There is no point in taking action that won't have a positive effect. Street lighting is both expensive to put in place and to run, so it's important that actions deal with identified issues. This may involve improving lighting next to a woody area because children feel nervous when walking home, or using stronger bulbs on areas shaded by tall buildings. For a larger area it may need more regimented policies, such as putting a light every 500 feet on either side of a street or at the end of each street intersection. Perhaps you live in a shopping district which is fully lit even when the stores have closed, and practices may have been in a place for a long time and never changed, despite the area becoming substantially different.
2
Look at other policies. Cities and towns across the world are constantly looking for, and developing street lighting initiatives. Visit nearby areas that are similar to yours to get an idea of what has worked well and why.
3
Do a trial period. Although it may be difficult to run a trial period, it's important to try to identify any possible negative effects of changing street lighting. Possibly a road will become busier and residents will become annoyed if more cars are using a well lit road, or the number of children hanging around in the area will increase. Send out questionnaires to identify any possible negative effects and to raise any concerns.
4
Determine your budget. Drafting ideas that are not feasible because of a lack of budget is pointless and can cause false hope. It an ideal world, you would be able to light every area where there is a real need, but that rarely happens.
5
Think of the environment. We're living in a world increasing increasingly aware of the environmental agenda, so think about the environmental factors involved. How much light pollution will be caused, what is the visual impact of the equipment and how much energy will be used?
