Switching off street lights

6 May 2010, 06:00

A scheme to turn off or dim street lights in Gloucestershire is being hailed a success.

It started in February 2009 when lights begun switching off during the night in rural areas, this was following in April last year by lights being dimmed by 59 parish and district councils.

Gloucestershire County Council say they are on target to save more than £200,000 and cut carbon by almost 1,400 tonnes in the first year, that is enough energy to boil 90 million kettles!

Another 32 areas of the county have signed up the start the 'night lighting project', while so far 4,556 lights have been adapted for part night lighting with another 2,440 awaiting conversion.

Cllr Stan Waddington, cabinet member for environment, said:

“As a council we’ve committed to reducing our carbon footprint and our energy usage and these projects have done just that.
“This is an excellent result which has only been made possible with the support of our contractor and equipment supplier, but more importantly with the cooperation of parish and town councils across the county.
“Looking for new and innovative ways of saving money and cutting carbon is something we will be focussing on from now on and this is a great start.
“I look forward to seeing the projects progress in future.”

The County say lights have been switched off or dimmed after consultation with police in each area, to make sure it does not reduce the safety for pedestrians and motorists.