Women would be wise to avoid the streets of Lambeth at night

Being a woman walking on the street at night, especially on your own, is still scary. No matter that we live in an age of progressiveness and equal rights, of post #MeToo vigilance: the threat of violence by men against women under cover of darkness remains elemental and real.

Lights on a quiet street are essential to mitigating this, and that includes in the middle of the night, when women are likely to need such illumination most; when, possibly after a party, they are more vulnerable; drunk, tired, or just very much alone. It’s when there is least likely to be anyone around to hear you scream. With no police presence on the streets, decent lights often feel like our only protection. 

Lambeth Council, one of the most dismally self-regarding, full to bursting with its progressive diversity and inclusion and climate agenda, does not agree.