MYSORE: Public lighting helps motorists, but improper illumination spells trouble to pedestrians, said J N Bhavani Prasad, retired chief engineer of CPWD (Bangalore), here on Friday.

Speaking on 'Public lighting with focus on lighting for pedestrians' organized by The Institute of Engineers, he alleged that JnNRUM projects have utterly neglected lighting and roads. "Street lighting helps motorists more than pedestrians. Motorists can see with the help of headlights, but what about pedestrians?" he questioned.

Throwing light on revolutions in street lighting, he said oil lamps were used first, and were followed by kerosene lamps, incandescent lamps, and those with mercury and halogen. "Now, we rely on high-intensity discharge lamps. Also, energy-efficient LED lighting is preferred nowadays," he added.

Highlighting the need for street lighting, he said it guides vehicles. "Lighting provides a secure feeling among motorists besides curbing anti social-activities. Street lighting also beautifies a city," he added.

Lighting can be used to create, communicate or contribute to ambience, and can help people prefer walking, he felt.

"Good lighting ensures security, while bad lighting can spell trouble," said Prasad.