Street lighting trials to continue

The Highland Council’s Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee has noted the progress being made with trials to achieve energy and carbon savings in street lighting.

Members were told that the introduction of new technology energy efficient white lights with associated 25% dimming between midnight and 6 am has generated annual savings of £60,000.  Already 2,200 columns have been converted to white light and a programme of replacement will continue.

The trial to switch off lights between midnight and 6 am had attracted some criticism in larger communities, such as Kinlochleven and Dunvegan and the committee took the view that this option was unlikely to obtain community support and in these areas will be discontinued.  In the smaller communities however, where they are more acceptable the trials will be continued.

The trial to disconnect every second  street light is to be discontinued with immediate effect.

Councillor Graham Phillips, Chairman of the TEC Services Committee, said: “We are learning from the experiences of the trials and will continue to liaise with communities to provide a level of service that best suits them.  I am particularly pleased with the introduction of energy efficiency lighting and dimming which has been generally successful and some communities have not even noticed the difference. These trials have produced some worthwhile savings and will provide valuable information in determining future options.”