Why ‘More Lighting’ Isn’t Always the Answer in CPTED

A common CPTED myth is that "If it's well-lit, it must be safe." It's easy to assume that bright lights create safety, but lighting does something else: it creates shadows. Every light source also introduces areas of darkness. The key to effective CPTED lighting isn't just adding more lights—it's using lighting strategically.

The reality is that poorly designed lighting can create as many risks as it solves.

Light can also be a shadowmaker and people fear the dark.

Why Does This Matter?

Glare, deep shadows, and over-lighting can actually decrease safety.

Lighting is also expensive to install and maintain, so it's crucial to design it cost-effectively.

In our blog on Safe Travel Paths for Workers, we discuss concealment pockets - hidden spaces formed by the relationship between lighting, buildings, landscaping, or other structures. But concealment pockets aren't just physical; they can also be created by poor lighting design.

Common Lighting Mistakes in CPTED

Here are some of the most frequent mistakes in lighting for safety:

Glare Spots That Reduce Visibility

When lights are too bright or poorly positioned, they can blind people rather than help them see. If someone is looking into a lit area and can't see past the glare, it creates blind zones where people can be concealed.

These dark pockets also increase negative perceptions of safety and discourage people from using a place - this is an important consideration in the public domain, particularly as the use of a space can result in natural surveillance and higher levels of safety.

Uneven Light Distribution

Sharp contrasts between bright and dark areas can make shadows deeper. If a space is well-lit but has harsh light boundaries, it can actually create new hiding spots rather than eliminating them. This can occur when buildings, structures and landscaping block lighting outputs.

Over-Reliance on Floodlights

Harsh floodlights can create an unwelcoming, hostile environment. It sends can send a negative message. Instead of making a space safer, it can make people feel uncomfortable or even push them away from using the area.

Lighting Without Passive Surveillance

Lighting alone doesn't prevent crime. If no one is around to see an incident, a well lit space still lacks passive surveillance. The best lighting supports visibility from active areas, like windows, streets, and entrances.

Ignoring the Built Environment

Buildings, trees, signage, and other structures can block light and create deep shadows. Lighting should be designed in tandem with the built form and landscaping to ensure it works effectively in the space.

Overlighting That Becomes a Nuisance

Overly bright security lighting - like motion-activated lights triggered by tree branches moving in the wind - can be so annoying to neighbours that the owner is required to turn it off completely, defeating its purpose.

Illuminating the Observer Instead of the Area

Effective natural surveillance relies on people's ability to discreetly observe an area. One common mistake is lighting up the person inside a house or business rather than the space they need to monitor. Lighting should be directed away from the building, not toward the observer.

Better Lighting Strategies for CPTED

If more lighting isn't always the answer, what is? Here's how to use lighting effectively for safety:

Balanced & Even Illumination

Avoid dramatic contrasts between light and dark areas. If a building, tree, or other obstruction creates deep shadows, consider adjusting light angles, adding another light source, or pruning vegetation.

Integrated with Sightlines & Activity

Lighting should enhance natural surveillance - visibility from windows, doors, and movement corridors. Lights should support clear sightlines, not obscure them.

Human-Centred Lighting Design

Lighting doesn't have to feel cold or sterile. Warmer, well-placed lighting can make a space feel welcoming while still maintaining security.

Careful Use of Coloured Lighting

Lighting should help people correctly identify individuals and objects. For example, excessively coloured lighting can make it hard to tell if someone is wearing a yellow or green shirt. Creative lighting can enhance perceptions of safety but should be used strategically, not excessively.

Thinking Beyond Light Fixtures

The relationship between light and the surrounding environment matters. Reflections, movement patterns, and landscape design all impact how effective lighting is.

The Bottom Line

Good CPTED design isn't just about adding lots of lights—it's about strategic lighting placement that works with surveillance, activity, and urban design. Poorly placed lighting wastes energy and money without improving safety.

We always recommend working with a qualified lighting engineer to design appropriate CPTED lighting for your site. That engineer should collaborate with your CPTED consultant and the design team. Lighting modelling - testing how proposed buildings and landscaping impact light - can help identify issues before construction, saving time and cost.

By designing lighting thoughtfully, we can make spaces safer, more welcoming, and more efficient.