Blackpool Council to upgrade 15,000 street lights in £6.85m project
The LED street lights are estimated to reduce the council’s CO2 emissions by 660 tonnes per year
Blackpool Council is planning a £6.85 million upgrade of 15,000 street lights across the town as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and cut electricity costs.
The project will replace existing High Pressure Sodium (SON) and Cosmopolis (CPO) lamps with LED lighting.
The switch to LED street lights is expected to reduce the council’s CO2 emissions by 660 tonnes annually and save approximately £930,000 per year in electricity costs, potentially covering the initial investment within seven years.
The local authority says LED lights are more energy-efficient and improve safety by providing directional downlighting, enhancing visibility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The upgrade is also expected to help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Blackpool.
This initiative supports Blackpool Council’s 2019 climate emergency declaration, which set ambitious targets of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030 and using 100% clean energy across council functions.
The proposals will be reviewed by the council’s executive on 10 November 2025.
If approved, the replacement work will be carried out by Eon, the company contracted to install and maintain street lights under the Community Lighting Partnership.
"Urgent action is needed"
Cllr Jane Hugo, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said:
"This project will have a really positive impact on our journey towards net zero.
"The planet is changing, and urgent action is needed. As a coastal community, Blackpool understands this reality all too well.
"Changing our street lights to LEDs will not only reduce our carbon emissions, it will also cut the council’s electricity consumption, saving money in the long run."
The Blackpool LED street lighting project represents a major step forward in the council’s climate and sustainability initiatives, combining environmental responsibility with community safety improvements.