Traffic lights to be upgraded in Leicester

Siemens has been awarded a £1 million contract to replace traffic light bulbs with longer lasting LEDs in Leicester.

The project will see traditional halogen traffic light bulbs replaced with energy-efficient LED lights at 46 junctions and 83 pedestrian crossings throughout Leicester.

In total about 6,000 signal lights and 1,200 pushbutton units replaced with the newer lights, which will significantly cut the city’s carbon footprint, as well as reducing electricity and maintenance costs.

The work, costing £966,000, is being funded through Leicester City Council’s Energy Reduction Fund.

The work begins in May 2015 and installation will take about a year to complete. It follows a successful trial of LED technology in traffic lights on Narborough Road. On average, LED bulbs will only need replacing every seven years.

Leicester deputy city mayor with responsibility for climate change, Cllr Rory Palmer, said: “This is another significant step towards a greener, more energy-efficient transport network. The new LED lights need less maintenance and have lower running costs, so the money saved can be invested into other important transport projects and services that will keep our city moving in the right direction.”

Siemens regional manager Frank Steinheimer added: “This programme will demonstrate the proven capabilities of the technology to save energy and maintenance costs, and highlight the excellent productive working relationship our local engineers have in Leicester.”