Green lights' green light

01st March 2007

	With 4.7million lampposts in the UK, potential annual savings could be around £52million

The move could mean many roads' street lamps will be dimmed or even switched off altogether late at night when there is virtually no traffic.

The Department for Transport says the proposals would cut CO2, light pollution and costs. Transport minister Dr Stephen Ladyman confirmed: "The Highways Agency review includes the development of an energy strategy, which could see reduced lighting levels, and switching off lamps when traffic is scarce."

The scheme would require complex and expensive electronic control to limit when and for how long street lamps stay on. A spokesman for Government advisor the Institution of Lighting Engineers (ILE) said: "A light operating at half power would use 60 per cent less energy and cost around £11 a year less to run."

With 4.7million lampposts in the UK, potential annual savings could be around £52million. Trials start later this year.