'Green' lights get green light

They've been on, and then off... but plans for new hi-tech intelligent street lights are now 'glow'!

Auto Express Car Reviews

Energy-saving lamps cost less to maintain

25th April 2006

The clever lamps boost road safety and save money, because they know exactly when they're needed and when they can switch off. The smart posts outshine their 20th century predecessors with technology including sensors that detect traffic - they're dim when there are no cars, but brighten as soon as vehicles approach. They can also sense the weather and make driving safer by shining more brightly when visibility is reduced, even during the day.

Each light is connected by radio to a central control room, where operators can monitor performance and spot faults, so repairs are made quickly.

The first major trials involving 6,500 intelligent lights have been held in Oslo, Norway, and energy use was cut in half. This reduction also lowers maintenance costs, as the lamps last longer.

"The savings that are achieved will pay for the new system, with an overall return on investment expected in five years," said city operations chief Tom Kristoffersen. Now, 55,000 more of Oslo's lights are to get the makeover, and a European consortium is developing them to be used on UK roads.

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