Street lighting in Nottinghamshire

The aim of the County Council is to contribute to a safe and effective highway network by the provision of adequate street lighting.

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

In dark areas, many people feel insecure and are less likely to see hazards.

Drivers may miss important signs and other information if inadequate lighting is present.

The County Council has to carefully balance the need for lighting with conflicting demands such as the need to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions.

What we will do

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 be investigated and repaired (usually within one week). 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 programmes of work:

• Replace deteriorating columns 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 these programmes.

Do you think you have 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 in an accident?
• Do you know lights or signs damaged by vandals?

Reports of problems are most useful although we arrange fortnightly inspections in winter and monthly inspections in summer for most of the roads.

Some facts

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

What you can do

Report faults to your local highway manager or report a defect online.