It takes a lot of electricity to power the county’s street lighting. Currently, the annual energy bill is running at £3.4m- and energy prices are rising. On 29 November 2010, the council’s cabinet approved plans for changes to street lighting designed to reduce the street lighting energy bill by up to £1.3m per year (at current prices).
The decision was to convert the majority of the county’s street lights to
part-night operation. In the future, most street lights will be on from dusk through to late evening and, during the winter, in the morning rush hour. They will, however, be extinguished during the late hours of the night when road and pedestrian traffic volumes are lower. The changes will be implemented over 18 months, starting in June-July 2011, with St Albans being converted in spring 2012. Most of the lights in the county will be converted to part-night operation. However, there are some exceptions where, lights will remain on all night. In agreeing the exceptions, discussions will be held with local county councillors, the county’s police force and road safety experts. It seems strange therefore that St Albans residents will not be consulted about this change that many will have concerns about.
Rob says, “Whilst I agree with the principle I do feel it strange that the County Council is not allowing the public to bring their questions and concerns forward. I have asked for a report to come to the next St Albans Highways Joint Members Panel on the 28th July and to the St Albans City Forum so that they can hear the details of the scheme”.