Decision details

To consider carrying out public consultation in connection with proposals to reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint of the Council’s street lighting.

There is a need to reduce street lighting costs because of budget constraints and rising energy costs.

Various options are available to reduce energy consumption, from turning out lights permanently to dimming them at off peak periods. The initial assessments indicate that the best balance is a package of measures, including the conversion of about half the existing lights to operate for part of the night.

Before this matter is considered by Cabinet it would be appropriate to undertake consultations on the proposals.  If the scheme is agreed by Cabinet later this year, detailed proposals will be prepared for further consultations with the local communities.

Various options have been considered to reduce street lighting energy consumption, including permanently turning off some street lighting, converting lights to operate for only part of the night and dimming others at off peak periods, and introducing LED lighting to replace existing lighting units.

From the initial investigations converting a majority of the street lights to operate for only part of the night, and dimming others at off peak periods, would appear to offer the best savings in the longer term, with potentially little adverse impact on the public and communities. The proposals also include the removal of lights at locations where they would not be provided under current design standards, and the introduction of LED and similar energy efficient units on new lighting schemes. 

The lighting at key locations, such as important junctions and traffic signals, would operate all night as necessary to ensure that road safety is not compromised.  Lighting in town centres would be controlled so that lighting levels are appropriate for the time and potential usage by the public.

In the Public Consultation on the Council’s budget in February 2012 savings from reduced street lighting scored the highest of the seven savings options showing a high level of public support.

Discussions have taken place with the Council’s consultants, specialist suppliers and contractors regarding the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the latest technology available to reduce street lighting energy costs.  A package of proposals has been identified to reduce street lighting energy consumption.

Before developing these proposals further it is proposed that consultations should be undertaken on the potential changes, as set out in Appendix A of this report.  The document includes frequently asked questions and a description of the proposals.

The views of the police, other public bodies and those affected by the proposals will be sought. The Area Boards will be asked to consider the matter, and the local Town and Parish Councils will be invited to comment.  The results of the consultations will be reported to Cabinet before a decision is made regarding the implementation of any changes.

If the proposals are approved by Cabinet then detailed proposals for each community will be developed, which will be the subject of further consultations with the relevant Town and Parish Councils.