Introduction
Roadway lighting systems are coming under greater scrutiny
from various sectors of the public. Issues such as glare, sky glow,
and aesthetic lighting have achieved widespread attention and are open
to criticism. Lighting designers should become familiar with these
issues and be prepared to design lighting systems that meet required
illumination levels while also considering the environmental and
aesthetic effects.
Communities are adopting lighting ordinances meant to reduce
sky glow (popularly termed “light pollution”). Lighting designers
should be on notice that this is a very important issue. Light emitted above
the horizontal does not benefit roadway lighting, but it can contribute
to glare and may be considered visual clutter. Many people consider
sky glow undesirable and even offensive. This is an important issue
with the astronomical community, and is particularly annoying when
equally effective lighting systems can be designed that reduce or
eliminate up-lighting.