Street lighting survey underway as Renfrewshire prepares for winter

The finishing touches to Renfrewshire’s £11million LED Street Lighting Programme are underway as a survey of street lighting levels takes place as the last stage of implementation.

Councillor Cathy McEwan with workers carrying out the lighting survey

Initial feedback from the survey, which began in July, has returned positive results with levels shown to be in excess of the minimum required.

Lighting levels are being measured on every street in Renfrewshire with any corrective actions shown to be needed being undertaken in advance of the winter months.

The £11million programme saw almost 30,000 street lights upgraded to replace existing sodium lights with new, low-energy LED technology.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board, said: “It was important to assess the street lighting before the darker nights are upon us to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists in Renfrewshire.

“The initial feedback from the audit shows light levels are in excess of the minimum lighting levels required for residential areas which is encouraging.

“We will continue to ensure lighting in all areas is sufficient for residents to feel comfortable when walking in their communities and repairs will be undertaken where lighting falls below the required standard.

“The switch to LED lights will provide a significant saving for the Council and will reduce our energy usage considerably which allows us to meet our consumption targets.”

The significant investment will see the Council’s carbon footprint reduced by almost one-eighth as the new energy-efficient LED lights use 62% less electricity than conventional lights.

A net saving of £750,000 each year is set to be achieved through the increased average life span of the street lights, which will now last up to 20 years compared to a previous average of four years.

The review commenced in July and coincides with an improved performance in street lighting repairs which saw more than 99% of repairs being completed within seven days of being reported.

Further information on the replacement programme can be found via www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/LEDlights