Dimmer switches for street lights

A satellite image of the British Isles at night shows light pollution

New street lights could be fitted with "dimmer switches" to save energy and cut pollution, road chiefs say.

Lights may be turned down or even off altogether at times when fewer cars and lorries are using the roads.

The Highways Agency, which manages England's major routes, says it is looking for ways to cut carbon emissions and light pollution.

Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman said his department supported the plan and insisted road safety would not suffer.

'Midnight switch-off'

In a written Commons answer this week, the minister said local councils are being encouraged to adopt "energy-saving measures".

Among these are the use of dimmer switches and a possible midnight switch off of street lights in some areas.

Mr Ladyman has said that any financial or environmental saving would have to be balanced against potential adverse effects, for example on accidents and crime.

Currently about 30% of our network is lit Spokesman for the Highways Agency

The Highways Agency said work is at a very early stage, but trials could begin later this year.

A spokesman said: "Our first step could be to look at whether lights could be dimmed at suitable locations when traffic levels are low, but we will not begin on-road trials without very careful pre-assessment.

"Currently about 30% of our network is lit, mainly at road junctions and roundabouts. This figure is not likely to change significantly, as a result of the new standards.

"The new standards will not be applied retrospectively to existing lighting. We do expect that it will mean less new lighting being installed in the future.

"Where a particular need for pedestrian lighting has been identified, we expect levels to be maintained."

We do know that street lights on trunk routes are saving lives Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed campaign

Safety fears

Some campaigners fear the move could cause an increase in road accidents and make pedestrians walking close to major routes more vulnerable.

Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed road safety campaign, told BBC Radio Five Live: "We do know that street lights on trunk routes are saving lives so I don't see how we can turn them off without compromising safety.

"Obviously we are looking at energy saving schemes throughout modern life, but as far as street lights are concerned I think we're about five years away from having LED street lights which use about 10% of the energy."