Ambient lighting, use of outdoor spaces and perceptions of public safety: evidence from a survey experiment

Observational evidence suggests that better ambient lighting leads people to feel safer when spending time outdoors in their community. We subject this finding greater scrutiny and elaborate on the extent which improvements street affect routine activities during nighttime hours. report from a survey experiment examines individuals’ perceptions of safety under two different intensities lighting. Brighter individuals over half respondents are willing pay an additional $400 per year taxes order finance hypothetical program would replace dim yellow lights with brighter LED lights. However, poor does not change people’s willingness spend or engage behaviors mitigate risk. Results suggest is means through policymakers can both control crime improve community well-being.