Energy saving lighting to be reversed

A report going to the policy committee on Wednesday recommends that street lights be switched back on where this is supported by the local county councillor and chairman of the Transport and Highways committee.

It also proposes the continued introduction of dimming of lights and the use of dimmable LED lights wherever possible.

The County Council spends just over £4.8m each year on energy for street lighting, illuminated road signs, bollards and traffic signals, making up 15 per cent of the total highways revenue budget.

Coun Kevin Greaves, chairman of the County Council’s transport and highways committee, said: “We have listened to concerns including some elderly residents who felt more vulnerable without street lighting and those residents working shifts who set off for or returned from work without lighting.”

The LED programme has received good support from communities while the dimming of high-powered lanterns is barely noticeable.

The cost of returning them all to full-night lighting will be in the region of £110,000 with a loss of £80,000 a year in energy saving.

The project is still forecast to save £700,000 by 2016-17.