Detailed evidence surrounding the controversial decision to switch off streetlights between midnight and 6am was heard on Tuesday.

Herts County Council’s (HCC) overview and scrutiny committee heard evidence from a number of stakeholders, including Herts Police, about the local authority’s part-night lighting policy.

They also heard the opinions of residents from across the county.

But the local authority is not disclosing any information discussed during the meeting, or any outcome, and it could be two months before recommendations made by the committee are responded to.

A spokesman said: “The county council has now been able to collate meaningful data to review. After hearing all the evidence, Scrutiny made a series of recommendations which will be submitted to Cllr Terry Douris, Cabinet member for highways, for his consideration and comment. He has two months to respond.”

The cash-saving move to permanently switch off streetlights between midnight and 6am was approved by HCC in November 2010. It prompted concern from residents worried it would result in an increase in crime. HCC says there has been no increase in crime as a result of part-night lighting.