A group of parkour athletes in France has launched a unique and controversial campaign called "Lights Out" to combat light pollution and save energy.

These athletes climb walls, jump over obstacles, and flip switches to turn off the neon signs of many shops, primarily in Paris, during the late hours of the night.

The group, known as "On The Spot," says they are helping to enforce orders from Paris city hall to turn off all signage lights and window display lights between 1 am and 6 am. The ordinance was widely ignored, so the group took matters into its own hands.

However, the "Lights Out" campaign is not without controversy. Some store employees have questioned the legality of the group's activities, while others have accused them of trespassing.

Additionally, the parkour athletes have stepped into a legal grey area by enforcing orders on behalf of French authorities.

Despite these criticisms, "On The Spot" maintains that its actions are legal and supported by the Paris city council. They also claim that police officers they encounter during the operation are in favor of the plan, as long as it does not cause damage.

Dan Lert, Paris’ deputy mayor for the environment, supports the campaign, stating that "they were right to act" and that it is thanks to them that the city can put an end to these "shocking habits."

The Paris government has recently started the early shutdown of decorative lighting at night in several landmark buildings, including the Eiffel Tower, as part of a plan to reduce energy consumption by 10% this winter.

Moreover, the French government has issued a decree to regulate the lights-out rules for lighting advertising signs throughout France. All lighting advertisements are prohibited from 1:00 to 6:00 in the morning, and violators will be fined up to 1,500 euros.

While the "Lights Out" campaign is an innovative way to combat light pollution and save energy, it is essential to ensure that these activities are legal and do not harm the property or individuals involved.

As the world becomes increasingly concerned about climate change and environmental degradation, it is vital to continue to find creative ways to reduce energy consumption and preserve our planet.

The efforts of "On The Spot" highlight the importance of individuals and groups taking action to address these issues, even if it means stepping into a legal grey area. However, it is necessary to ensure that these actions are done safely and legally to avoid any adverse consequences.