New street lighting will reduce costs and environmental impact

The scheme, which will see around 34,000 street lights replaced across the city, will also result in annual savings of around £1.4m through the use of more energy-efficient technology.

Newcastle City Council is working with SSE Enterprise Contracting to replace the old sodium lights with new LED ones that give off a whiter light for improved visibility.

The LED lights are longer lasting and less likely to fail than traditional street lights, so maintenance costs are also expected to be lower.

Cllr Arlene Ainsley, cabinet member for transport and air quality, said: “We are investing in more efficient street lighting across our city which will reduce both our energy costs and our carbon footprint.

“The new LED lights are much more environmentally friendly than the older sodium lights and, because the light is focused down to the ground rather than being emitted in all directions, they produce a lot less light pollution.

“This investment will not only result in better and more consistent street lighting across the city, it will also help us to reduce our impact on the environment.”

George Marshall, operations manager at SSE Enterprise Contracting, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Newcastle City Council as part of its LED replacement programme.

“With early design input, the LED technology will offer a modern, cost efficient street lighting solution. Our experienced operatives and technical support teams will help deliver both our customers’ and our own carbon neutral aspirations.”

Work to replace street lights began in the west end of the city and the scheme is expected to be complete by summer 2021.