Save Money, Go Green, Stay Safe

Published on Thursday 16th February 2012

Wiltshire Council are looking for savings everywhere, and that includes streetlights. All over the County, streetlights are being switched off, to save cash, and to cut Wiltshire’s carbon emissions. 

Sometimes, this is the right thing to do, but there are also areas where streetlights are crucial for road and pedestrian safety.

Wiltshire’s Liberal Democrats think there’s a better way to save money than just switch off our streetlights. We’re proposing a replacement programme, getting rid of the old, dull and inefficient streetlights, and replacing them with the latest technology.

This could drastically cut the street lighting electricity bill, drastically reduce carbon emissions, and all whilst continuing to light the roads and pavements which need it.

Results from progressive Councils elsewhere are showing that new technology streetlights not only pay for their installation with reduced energy bills, but make savings over and above this on reducing fines for carbon emissions (Wiltshire’s was  fined £0.6m last year!).

New technology streetlights also give a better light, which make pedestrians and cyclists easier to see, meaning less accidents and safer roads.

Wiltshire Council mustn’t be left behind here, when the potential rewards are so great.

Our Proposed Amendment

£0.25m capital investment gives capacity for £2.8m of borrowing, allowing a programme of replacing inefficient, dull street lights with brighter, safer Light Emitting Diode streetlights. Investment is matched by at least £0.25m savings on reduced energy costs.