Street lighting in Nottinghamshire

There are around 90,000 street lights and 15,000 illuminated signs in the county which cost approximately £5m each year in electricity and maintenance.

Street lighting is important in helping to keep our roads and footpaths safe from accidents and neighbourhoods free from crime.

In dark areas, people can feel insecure and are less likely to see hazards. Drivers may miss important signs and other information if there aren’t enough street lights or if they’re not working properly.

We have to carefully balance the need for lighting with conflicting demands such as the need to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions.

Faulty street lighting

We operate a night patrol fortnightly in winter and monthly in summer to see if any street lights are not working, as well as relying on the general public to report faults.

If there is a safety problem with a light or sign, such as exposed wires, it will be made safe without delay.

Normal faults which are not dangerous will usually be investigated and repaired within seven days. Sometimes, however, the electricity supply is faulty and repairs can take longer as they have to be carried out by the electricity company.

If extra or better lighting is needed, the problem will be compared to all other needs and put into priority order.

Each year funds will be made available to carry out the following work:

• Replace deteriorating lamp posts with new ones
• Replace existing street lights with energy efficient units, which will be cheaper to run
• Renew old and worn lighting units.

Limited resources mean only works of the highest priority can be included in this work.

Reporting a problem

• Do you know of an unlit street light, sign or bollard?
• Do you know of a light, sign or bollard that has been damaged?

If so, please report it using this online form or tel: 08449 80 80 80.