What is being proposed?
We have been delivering a streetlight dimming programme by installing replacement LED lanterns over recent years. Whilst this has contributed to our energy consumption, associated costs and carbon emissions reductions further work needs to be done.
From 2027/28, the full-year effect of the accelerated LED replacement and dimming programme is forecast to reduce annual energy costs by £209,000, subject to fluctuations in the unit price of electricity.
A further proposal under review is to “trim” street lighting ie “switch off” certain streetlights at particular times and locations. This proposal explores switching off alternative street lights between the hours of midnight and 6.00am or 1.00am to 5.00am to further drive reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions.
At this stage, the following locations are proposed for exemption from trimming:
- Major junctions and known collision hotspots.
- Town and district centres, where security and support for the night-time economy are priorities.
- Areas covered by CCTV.
- Areas with higher levels of crime and anti-social behaviour.
A blanket, network-wide approach to trimming is not proposed. Instead, a strategic review of the network and lighting stock will identify suitable locations, assess potential impacts and determine the exemptions required before implementation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the council’s legal responsibilities for street lighting?
There is no legal requirement for local authorities in the UK to provide street lighting. However, where we provide street lighting on public highways (including roads and footways) we do have a responsibility to maintain it. This includes the councils’ streetlights, illuminated traffic signs and bollards on the public highway, but not lighting in private areas, private car parks or on new housing developments. Not all streetlighting in the Borough of Bury is the responsibility of the county council. Some landowners have installed their own street lighting systems, and they are responsible for maintaining these.
What is street light trimming?
Street light trimming is an approach to switching off streetlighting in an area for part of the night. Over half of local authorities have introduced this with the first schemes being introduced in the 1970s. It is intended to be used at night during the hours when the fewest people are using the streets.
Why is the council proposing street light trimming?
- Reducing energy consumption
- Reducing carbon emissions
- Protecting services
How can people have their say on street light trimming?
The public budget consultation gives people the opportunity to share their views on the draft framework for street light trimming. This is the proposal for how street light trimming could be implemented. The results will inform the cabinet decision in February next year.
Would street light trimming be the same across the whole borough?
No, street light trimming is not a one size fits all approach. It could be implemented in different ways to meet the needs of different communities. At the moment only LED street lights that are controlled via a Central Management System (CMS) will be targeted.
We are considering two 'standard' timeframes for part night lighting:
- Between 1:00am and 5:00 am
- Between midnight and 6:00 am
This is based on when the fewest people are using roads and paths, and when the last trains and buses run. There may also be temporary variations for legitimate reasons such as public events or road works. There will be some factors which may make a location unsuitable for a street light trimming scheme, such as at road crossings, if there are high levels of crime or road incidents, or where there is public CCTV.
Why can’t you just dim the lights, or use energy efficient lights?
Many of Bury’s streetlights already use energy efficient lights. As lights have come to the end of their structural life they have been replaced with the newest technology, including LED lights that are controlled via a Central Management System (CMS). These new streetlights are already operating more efficiently, being dimmed in some places, saving energy and requiring less maintenance.
What about the possible effects on crime and road safety?
Numerous studies have been conducted on the impact of trimming street lighting, which have consistently shown no statistical link to increased crime, ASB or road traffic accidents. These studies include a study by APSE which found that local councils adopting trimming policies saw no change in the number of night time traffic collisions.