And in some situations, this may require reducing the amount of light. Since then, similar studies in other countries have repeatedly confirmed this result. Thus, when planning outdoor lighting facilities, it has become increasingly meaningful to question the objectives and purpose of the illumination as well as to acknowledge local circumstances and incorporate them into the plan. Meanwhile, shadows offer criminals added cover and camouflage. Screens should always be used to prevent a direct and blinding view into sources of light.
Pathway lighting is meant to illuminate paths rather than house fronts or the night sky.
Another effective method is to link lights to motion detectors, so that they will only light up when they are really needed. Of course, dangerous passages such as tight curves or pedestrian crossings should be conspicuously lit. But the effect of these intensely lit areas will be heightened if the remainder of the lighting is scaled down appropriately. According to US studies, uniformly lit streets can also lead to diminished attention on the part of drivers, who are lulled into a false sense of security. As early as September 1979, Switzerland passed traffic laws explicitly prohibiting the use of such lights in the vicinity of streets.