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 our neighbourhoods free from crime. In dark areas, people can feel insecure and are less likely to see hazards.
Energy saving measures
We have to carefully balance the need for lighting with conflicting demands such as the need to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions.
A four-year programme of energy saving measures, which commenced in December 2010, is planned to save 25 percent of the energy used by street lighting. Read more about the energy saving programme.
Faulty street lighting
We operate a monthly night patrol throughout the year 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?
Problems can be reported using the online fault reporting form or by calling our customer service centre on tel: 08449 80 80 80.
