Hertfordshire to test LED street lights

Hertfordshire County Council will be dimming and trimming some LED street lights overnight to test residents’ reactions to the energy-saving initiative.

The ‘dimming and trimming’ (reduced lighting ‘level’ and ‘period’) pilot is being introduced as part of the authority’s LEDs (light emitting diodes) street light rollout and will involve reducing lighting levels and periods in some areas. The existing lighting is already reduced by 25% between 11pm and 6am.

LEDs not only use much less energy but also emit less CO2 than conventional lamps, helping to cut the county council’s carbon tax commitment. Dimming the lights can reduce energy consumption by 25 per cent and reducing their operating time by a few minutes each day can add up to 92 hours each year.

Terry Douris, cabinet member for highways for Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We are always looking for ways in which we can save money for local taxpayers and protect the environment, reduce light pollution and being innovative with street lighting presents an opportunity to do both."

The trials are planned to start in January 2016 through to late February 2016, in order to capture the longer nights and they will be monitored, both on site and remotely, for up to 12 months. Thereafter, the outcome of the pilot will be reported to future highways cabinet panels and residents will be notified of the outcome of the pilot.

The work is being carried out by Ringway on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council.