Decision details

The Board considered a report of the Director, Policy and Resources, which sought approval of the Street Lighting Strategy and Policy.

The Executive Board, at its meeting on 26 March 2015, approved an Invest to Save bid of £4.7m for a programme of work to replace the current conventional street lighting with energy saving light emitting diode (LED) lighting units. The Board also considered potential measures to achieve street lighting savings. It was noted that the cost of street lighting maintenance was constantly rising, mainly as a result of energy costs which were increasing well above inflation.

The cost of energy for all the Council’s highway electrical assets (including street lighting, traffic signals, illuminated signs, etc.) was approximately £1,216,000 per annum. It was noted that there was no statutory duty to provide street lighting, however, it was recognised that street lighting had a vital role to play in reducing fear of crime and improving community safety after dark. Due to increased energy costs for street lighting, it was recognised that action must be taken to minimise future growth in energy consumption.

The Street Lighting Strategy and Policy had been considered and recommended for approval by the Environment and Urban Renewal Policy and Performance Board at its meeting on 24 June 2015.

Reason(s) for Decision

These proposals all affected residents of the Borough and could result in less areas being lit in the future.

The Policy would also require developers to pay towards the future maintenance costs for non-standard street lighting and intelligent transport systems (traffic signals, controlled pedestrian crossings, etc).

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

During the preparation of this Strategy and Policy, the provision of street lighting was reviewed throughout the Borough. Options to maintain previous levels of street lighting provision were considered, but due to increasing energy costs, this was not possible. Therefore, the Policy had been developed to minimise the impact whilst maintaining street lighting at critical locations.

Implementation Date

1 October 2015.

RESOLVED: That

1)  the Street Lighting Strategy and Policy document attached at Appendix 1 be approved;

2)      the removal of street lighting from rear passageways and independent footpaths where these routes are not the primary access to properties and when existing equipment is no longer serviceable be agreed; and

3)      a commuted sum be required to be paid where non-standard equipment is installed as part of a development be agreed.