Over 130,000 streetlights upgraded across Essex Highways
Older LED units have been made available to parish councils and fitted to older streetlights they own.
Last updated 5th Oct 2024
Over 130,000 lights have been upgraded across county, improving lighting quality and reducing energy costs.
More than 130,000 older-style streetlights have been replaced with LEDs as part of Essex Highways’ programme to upgrade streetlights across the county.
The project, which is nearing completion, is expected to save £39 million in energy running costs over the next 25 years.
For the last three years, Essex Highways crews have been replacing around 600 lights a week. A total of 131,254 have now been replaced, with only approximately 700 streetlights left to go.
The new units save around 80% in energy costs and have an expected longer lifespan of 20 years.
The upgrade programme faced difficulties from delays due to COVID-19 and supply chain issues caused in part by the war in Ukraine.
5% of the lights, however, are waiting for repairs that are linked to issues like power supply.
Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure, and Sustainable Transport said: “These lights are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan, providing long-term benefits for our county and contributing to building a safer, greener, and healthier Essex for residents.
“I am very pleased that Rayne Parish Council has been proactive in taking up our offer of using some of the older LED units and are already reaping the benefits."
Councillor Peter Schwier, Climate Czar and Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling, added: “The new lights use far less energy, helping to reduce carbon emissions, while the LEDs can also be dimmed, meaning they produce less light pollution."
Residents are still able to report issues with streetlights through the Essex Highways ‘tell us’ tool on the website.