Lighting in Brighton and Hove streets could be dimmed to save money.

Brighton and Hove City Council believes reducing the brightness of bulbs will be more environmently friendly while helping it meet a savings target of £50 million over the next three years.But residents have expressed concerns that any plan could lead to residents being afraid to go out after dark.

It came as East Sussex County Council announced it was widening its plans to switch off lights off in residential areas.

As part of a budget review Brighton and Hove City Council is replacing the majority of its 1,200 “inefficient” 250w bulbs which cost about £130 each to run per year. This will lead to a 40% reduction in energy use.

The report adds it is considering “part-night dimming” which could increase savings to 50%.

A similar scheme in Gloucestershire sees high wattage bulbs dimmed by 35% between 10pm and 5.30am.

But Conservative councillor Geoffrey Theobald urged caution adding: “I have real concerns that any reduction could have a detrimental impact on community safety and could actually make residents afraid to go out at night.

“In my view, you can't put a price on people's safety.”

East Brighton councillor Gill Mitchell said she was concerned about the impact on CCTV footage.

Others have called for renewed action on light bulbs left on 24 hours a day.South Portslade councillor Les Hamilton said there were at least 20 in the Foredown and Benfield area of his ward.

Coun Hamilton said: “If the Green council wants the carbon reduction programme to be taken seriously then this issue should be very high on its list of priorities.”

A council spokesman said: “No lights should be on 24 hours a day so if any remain on all day the matter will be brought to managers' attention immediately.

“No dimming at all will take place if it is considered dangerous at any place or at any time, regardless of any cash or carbon savings.”

East Sussex County Council, which spends about £1.5 million a year on lighting, has already begun to switch off and dim some illuminations.

After a trial in Heathfield the scheme has now been extended to Uckfield.

It will be discussed at a meeting in Uckfield Civic Centre on October 1 from 10am to 1pm.