Shining a light on fire safety

Sir, – I write in response to Nadia Vidinova’s article, “Expert shines a light on ‘dim’ street lamps amid safety concerns” (The Courier, January 31), on ambient street lighting in Dundee.

Whilst Gary Langland’s observations on the reduced levels of street lighting posing a potential threat to the safety of women walking in the city after dark are commendable, there is another threat to public safety that I ask both him and Dundee Council to consider.

When new building plans are submitted to the appointed project fire officer for approval, a minimum level of lux (a scientific measurement of light) at external fire exits, external escape stairs, and routes to and at assembly points must be met.

These calculations can, and often do, take into consideration existing streetlight levels outside buildings to be occupied at night.

Furthermore, when Annual Fire Risk Assessments are being carried out on all business premises and public buildings, lux levels should also be tested.

Any reduction below the required minimum level will result in recommendations being made in the action plan of the report.

Indeed, this is the purpose of the assessment: to identify any threats to safety.

Although fire safety is not always enforceable retrospectively, as the building may have been fit for purpose when it was built (unless major alterations, change of use or major risks are identified), the inspecting officer can look at the reduced levels of lighting as an overall threat to occupants evacuating the premises in the event of fire.

I ask whether Dundee Council has considered this and any repercussions it may have on individual business owners not aware of the reduced protection and possible cost of upgrading their emergency lighting systems? Alan Thomson. 24 North Balmossie St, Broughty Ferry.

There is really no doubt whatsoever of the merits of reinstating Levenmouth’s railway service. It would be to the benefit of the national network and especially of benefit to the local area. There are, however, plenty of doubts surrounding the political will to make this happen