Nearly half of Brits fear the clocks going back will increase their energy bills, with 76% wanting to scrap the clock change altogether, reports smart lighting firm 4lite. Marking the end of British Summer Time, the clocks will go back on Sunday, October 30, at 2am.
However, a poll by 4lite reveals 47% of consumers expect the clock change will lead to higher energy bills as it will fall dark an hour earlier. A further 23% believe it will be a catalyst for more road traffic accidents and 21% link it to higher crime rates.
According to the research, more than a quarter of consumers believe the clocks going back will have a negative impact on their mood and mental health. A third say they will go out less in the evenings because it gets dark earlier, with women most affected. A total of 40% of women state they are less likely to go out in winter because it gets dark earlier, compared to 27% of men. A quarter of women (24%) admit they stay home more as they feel more vulnerable going out in the dark.
