Devon's Street Lighting Switch-Off Made Permanent to Combat Climate Change
Proposals to make permanent alterations to street lighting across Devon have been officially approved by the Cabinet, marking a significant step in the region's environmental strategy. This decision follows a comprehensive year-long trial that successfully addressed community needs while delivering substantial cost reductions and environmental benefits.
Details of the Permanent Changes
The approved measures will see earlier switch-off times and further dimming of streetlights continue in residential areas, market towns, and rural locations. Importantly, lighting on main roads will remain unchanged to ensure safety for motorists and pedestrians. Specific areas such as pedestrian crossings will also stay fully lit, maintaining critical safety standards.
Since the trial commenced in April of last year, the council has achieved a remarkable reduction in electricity usage for street lighting, cutting more than one million kilowatt hours annually. At current energy prices, this translates to savings of approximately £270,000 each year, funds that can now be redirected to other essential frontline services.
Environmental Impact and Council Commitments
The reduction in energy consumption is projected to save around 200 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, directly supporting Devon Council's climate change commitments. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to tackle environmental challenges while managing public resources responsibly.
Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways, emphasized the balanced approach of the decision. "This decision strikes the right balance between being responsible with public money, tackling climate change and continuing to keep people safe," he stated. "The trial has shown we can significantly reduce energy use and carbon emissions while still responding quickly to local concerns."
Flexibility and Community Response
The council highlights the flexibility of the new system, which utilizes advanced technology to tailor lighting to different communities. Through the Central Management System, lighting levels can be adjusted swiftly if safety issues are identified, ensuring a responsive approach to genuine risks.
"Street lighting is not a one-size-fits-all service," Cllr Thomas added. "With the technology we now have, we can tailor lighting to different communities and make changes where they're needed, including increasing lighting levels if safety issues are identified. Using smarter street lighting enables us to cut costs, reduce emissions and lessen environmental impact, while retaining the ability to prioritise safety where it matters most."
The council has committed to ongoing community engagement, promising to listen to residents and adapt the lighting strategy as necessary to address any emerging safety concerns. This permanent shift represents a forward-thinking move towards sustainable urban management in Devon.
