Prague to introduce Ombudsman for public space complaints

Prague will introduce the position of an Ombudsman to handle residents’ complaints concerning public space. City councillors approved the move on Thursday after lengthy debate over a petition criticising the city’s approach to replacing public lighting.

They also agreed that Prague City Hall would update its public lighting strategy. A working group will be established, bringing together representatives of the city, its organisations and experts from relevant fields.

The ongoing replacement of city lighting will continue using fixtures with slightly warmer light, though not to the extent demanded by petitioners. According to the authors of the petition, light with a higher proportion of blue light is harmful and disrupts the daily rhythms of people, animals and plants.