Closed
Lights in tunnel too bright
Sent to National Highways less than a minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 6670288.
The new lights that have been installed in the tunnels are ridiculously bright. Particularly in the dark, I find myself squinting as I enter the tunnel due to the sudden change in going from the unlit road outside to ultra bright light inside. What was wrong with the level of lighting previously? Surely a dimmer level is better to keep consistent with the rest of the road and the angle they are at means they shine directly in to a driver's face. This is the reason why they turn the lights off inside a plane when taking off and landing in the dark - to ensure occupant's eyes are accustomed to the light outside. It obviously wouldn't be quite such a sudden change if the lighting leading up the hill on both sides was switched on again, but certainly the approach to the southbound seems to have been off for a number of years now. Have you fallen victim to this obsession with ultra bright LEDs? How long before these excessively bright lights cause an accident?
Updates
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Thank you for submitting this report.
I appreciate your concerns and acknowledge your feedback with the new lighting installation in the Hindhead Tunel, especially from someone who regularly travels through here.
The light levels throughout the tunnel are set out by standards and once a tunnel is completed the lighting manufacturers will check these lighting levels to ensure they’re correct. A detailed design was done to ensure that this met with current standards.
The lights that are currently installed are LED lights and unfortunately, the colour of these lights cannot be changed. Prior to the lighting upgrade, the tunnel had SON lights, also known as sodium lamps, which gave the yellow light you mention.
We’re continuously reviewing our procedures to ensure they are effective. Your feedback is invaluable to us and your suggestions have been noted.
Kind regards National Highways
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