City uses police crime-analysis data to identify poorly lit zones
The city of Yangju, in partnership with the Yangju Police Station, has launched an initiative to improve nighttime pedestrian safety in crime-prone areas by installing streetlights and security lights.
According to the city Tuesday, the project was driven by data from the Korean National Police Agency's crime-analysis system, which the Yangju Police Station used to identify poorly lit areas. City officials conducted on-site inspections of locations flagged by police to verify lighting deficiencies before installing road lighting fixtures.
The city said it expects the project to improve nighttime walking conditions and produce crime-prevention benefits in line with the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED.
In the first half of the year, streetlights were installed in alleyways near Hoecheon Nonghyup and along the school commute route for Hoeam Middle School, while bridge lighting was added around Bokjigyo Bridge in Baekseok-eup.
In the second half, additional streetlights are planned for sections of Provincial Road 371 in Samsang-ri and Samha-ri, Jangheung-myeon. The city plans to expand streetlight coverage along that route in subsequent phases.
The project differs from conventional lighting improvement efforts in that it uses police crime-analysis data to pinpoint poorly lit areas and follows up with field inspections before installing lighting infrastructure.
"We are working continuously with police to improve lighting in vulnerable areas so residents can feel safe using alleyways at night," said Cha Sun-beom, head of the road management division. "We will keep collaborating to build a safer urban environment going forward."
pjh@heraldcorp.com
