County's traffic lights go green

Kent's traffic lights are to be fitted with more energy efficient bulbs

Traffic lights in Kent are to be fitted with low-energy bulbs to help reduce carbon emissions and save money.

Kent County Council (KCC) plans to start switching 16,723 signal lamps and 2,318 push-button bulbs to more efficient ones in 2008.

The council said the drive would help cut carbon emissions and save money as the new lights have a longer lifespan.

Councillor Keith Ferrin said KCC would be the first authority to change to energy efficient traffic lights.

Lights left on

He added: "Switching our traffic lights to using low-energy bulbs makes good business sense.

"KCC would save money and be giving the environment a helping hand."

The council also plans to install wood-chip boilers at 25 schools in 2007 and at the new Kent Highway Services depot in Ashford.

But a local Friends of the Earth group criticised KCC last year after 250 street lights where left on during the daytime for four months in Tunbridge Wells.

The council said a fault made the lamps stay on and they were repaired as quickly as possible.