Bucks County Council has announced a county-wide LED street light replacement programme, based on a LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting replacement strategy to be implemented mainly across the A and B road network. Over the next 3 years almost 7,500 street lights will be replaced.
It is claimed that LED technology will bring numerous benefits, which include:
- Reduced energy costs
- Lower carbon emissions vs traditional units
- Reduced maintenance costs vs traditional units
LED lighting provides on average 50-60% reduction to annual energy consumption when compared to traditional lighting and has an extended life of 20 years as opposed to the standard 3 to 6 years for a traditional lamp, therefore reducing maintenance costs greatly.
The current lighting columns will remain in situ and the project focuses solely on changing the lantern in order to provide best value. The LED lighting itself provides a clearer, brighter white light as opposed to the traditional yellow glow of current street lights.
The replacement programme is part funded by the County Council and SALIX, an independent not-for-profit company, funded by the Department for Energy and Climate Change.
Replacements will commence this coming Autumn. 1,100 street lights will be replaced by the end of December 2013 with a further 1,550 across the county by the end of March 2014. It should be noted that this first 3 year programme is for the main strategic network generally outside of main residential areas. The details of the programme will be updated on the Transport for Buckinghamshire Service Information Centre www.buckscc.gov.uk/transport
The programme to replace street lights in residential areas across the county is subject to future funding but is in progress, with a view to achieving 90% LED across the county within a five-year period.
Councillor Janet Blake, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation said: "By working with the Department for Energy and Climate Change we'll be able to make a positive difference. The introduction of LED technology across the county produces twofold benefits – money will be saved on behalf of local taxpayers whilst cutting our carbon footprint at the same time."
