More than 10,000 old-style streetlights in Essex have now been replaced with LED alternatives.
They are moving at the speed of light to upgrade 82,000 streetlights, mainly in residential roads. The older lights are being replaced with LED, or light-emitting diode, technology, over three years.
LED lights benefit both residents and the environment. They save on average 60% energy usage and thousands of tons of carbon emissions involved in generating electricity. After 25 years the replacements could save taxpayers around £39 million.
The LED replacement programme began in May, starting with Chelmsford and Basildon, and will continue until completion in 2024. On average, Essex Highways crews are upgrading 1,000 lights a week and by the end of September 10,000 streetlights had been replaced.
Cllr Lee Scott, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance and Sustainable Transport, said: “I am thrilled with the progress that has been made with the LED rollout. I would like to thank the crews for all their hard work that has meant we are currently ahead of schedule for the installation.”
