Thursday, November 7, 2024

Enhanced Car Headlights Could Lead to the Elimination of Millions of Street Lights

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The UK Department for Transport is contemplating the removal of approximately 1.5 million street lights from the country’s total of 7.2 million as a cost-saving measure, driven by the increased effectiveness of modern car headlights. With an annual expenditure of £3.5 billion on street lights, including £1 billion for energy costs, the department aims to replace traditional tall lampposts with smaller, energy-efficient lighting that enhances safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Current infrastructure often fails to properly illuminate pavements, relying instead on light spill from tall street lights primarily designed for vehicles. Ongoing trials, such as a project in Hayton, Yorkshire, demonstrate the shift toward dedicated footway lighting and innovative solutions like solar-powered road studs. As the transition to LED lighting reaches its peak, experts emphasize reassessing urban lighting strategies to prioritize pedestrian safety and community well-being.

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