LIGHTING improvements could save the taxpayer more than £280,000, claim county council officials.
Transport for Bucks is replacing more than 10,000 street lights in the county with modern, energy-efficient units. The four-year programme, to start later this year, will replace larger, more powerful lights located on mainly non-residential traffic routes.
The new lights will contain energy efficient equipment, allowing the lights to dim during off peak hours and maintain full power during peak traffic flows. Each new lamp has a life of six years – twice the current lighting. The dimming system allows for a reduction in energy used of up to £283,000 per year.
Steven Adams, responsible for environment at the council, said: “By replacing our lights with modern, energy-efficient ones, we are not only going to save taxpayers a considerable amount of money, but we are also reducing our carbon footprint.”
The cost of the project is £3.7 million and has a payback period of 14 years. Funding worth £1.4 million has been provided by Salix Finance Ltd and the remainder of the budget will come from the county council.