Light-town could soon become dark-town, the Volkskrant reports on Friday, because Eindhoven is set to become the first city in the Netherlands to switch the lights off at night.

But the city that owes its existence to the light bulb, and is known for its annual ‘lights route’ isn’t renouncing its history, says council executive Mary Fiers. ‘Of course Eindhoven has a ‘light’ image from Philips, but we are also known for technological innovation.’
Eindhoven’s municipal buildings already go dark at 11 at night. But the council wants companies to turn off advertising and floodlighting at that same time. New licences may only be granted to businesses that comply.
The council is also investigating the feasibility of making streetlamps energy efficient. ‘There is LED technology, and other new developments in the works,’ says Fiers. ‘Changing all the lights would require a major investment. But the benefits are enormous.’