Switch-off for main road lights in Caerphilly county

Several councils have looked to save money by turning off lights

Thousands of street lights will be switched off around Caerphilly county to reduce carbon emissions and save money.

Caerphilly council has agreed to turn off lights along non-residential roads between midnight and 0530 GMT.

The exact number of lights to be switched off is still to be determined following health and safety assessments on certain routes.

The council said the move would provide "significant savings".

Councillors backed the policy after considering the findings of a consultation with residents.

It was agreed street lights will be turned off on all main roads connecting towns and villages, including industrial areas.

The council said it appreciated it was a sensitive issue but believed the option chosen would have the least impact on residents.

Councillor Rob Gough, cabinet member for transportation and planning, said: "The roads affected will be in non-residential areas at a time when traffic use is minimal - and as an extra safeguard we have agreed to carry out health and safety impact assessments on any routes that may be causing concern."

The council said it was committed to a 10-year carbon reduction plan which aimed to cut emissions by 45% of 2007/08 levels.

More than 27% of its carbon emissions come from street lighting.

Four options were offered including a proposal to switch off all 25,000 lights across the county borough.

Several councils around Wales have already turned off street lights, but Powys and Blaenau Gwent had to switch some back on following complaints.