Stoke-on-Trent City Council is set to dim street lights to save money. They assure residents that safety will remain a priority throughout this budget-friendly initiative.
Stoke-on-Trent: The council is planning to dim some street lights. They want to save around £100,000 each year. But don’t worry, they say safety is still a top concern.
They won’t just dim everything everywhere. Instead, they’ll look at where it makes sense and is safe. Some areas already have enough light from other sources.
The council believes this will help cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions. Plus, it could make the street lights last longer. Sounds like a win-win, right?
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker mentioned that other places have tried similar ideas. He said they’re looking for smarter ways to manage street lighting.
He pointed out that modern car headlights are brighter now. Also, CCTV cameras don’t need as much light as they used to. So, dimming some lights could work well.
Committee member Maxine Clarke raised a good question about how they’ll choose which lights to dim. She’s concerned about safety for people walking home at night.
Carol Gibbs, the director of housing, said they won’t have strict rules. They’ll consider public feedback and different factors. Some residents might actually prefer dimmer lights.
Councillor Laura Carter shared an example from Fegg Hayes. She noted that some lights are too bright and unnecessary. It’s a good point to consider.
Another councillor, Diane Williams, suggested turning off some lights in rural areas. This could help protect local wildlife, which is important too.
Residents can share their thoughts during the consultation on the budget proposals, which runs until February 10.
