Peterborough’s street lights to be dimmed even further to save council money

Last year, the council finished upgrading 17,000 street lights to energy-efficient LEDs.

It then agreed to dim street lights in residential areas by 20 per cent between 9.30pm and 5am, by 20 per cent on traffic routes between 9pm and midnight, and by 40 per cent between midnight and 5am.

At the time the council argued that the quality of the new lights meant residents would notice little to no difference, while the cash-strapped authority would save £100,000 a year.

Now, the authority has rushed through a decision to dim lights in residential areas and on traffic routes by 40 per cent from “switch on to switch of” until the end of July.

It expects the measure will save it around £13,000.

The council said: “Given the current unprecedented situation Peterborough’s roads are extremely quiet and there may be an opportunity to increase dimming percentages and periods in the short term to generate additional savings.

“Given the unknown situation it may be possible to extend the period beyond July if appropriate. Similarly, there may be a need to revert to the present regime if traffic flows increase prior to the end of July.”

The council said a 40 per cent reduction in the lights on traffic routes would mean they still meet the recommended standard, however, the same would not be the case for lights in residential areas.

It added: “Increased dimming levels may be noticed, however, given the time of year and the time at which the lights switch on, and the current reduced traffic and pedestrian movements, the proposed measures have been considered acceptable by Peterborough City Council officers.”

To rush through the decision, the council has invoked a ‘special urgency’ clause and will not allow councillors to formally challenge the decision (call it in) which would delay proceedings.

A fortnight ago the council admitted many of its new street lights were remaining on throughout the day due to a “fault” which it was seeking to fix.

The Peterborough Telegraph has asked the council this morning if the fault has been fixed.