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.