More than half of Bolton’s street lamps have now switched over to new LED lighting - and work is on target to finish in 2018.

Replacement work continues throughout the borough and almost 15,000 lights in 2,463 streets have been upgraded, since the rollout began in April last year.

Approximately 26,000 lights on residential streets and main roads are being replaced with lower carbon LED lanterns.

LED street lights in Halliwell. (Photo courtesy of Bolton Council)

The street lighting program should save the council GBP 14 million (US $18.38 million) over 20 years and reduce energy use by around 50%.

The council spends GBP 2.1 million on energy bills every year, and carbon dioxide emissions cost the council GBP 100,000 annually.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “I’m really pleased that work is progressing so well. It’s an achievement to reach this milestone and the support and feedback from our residents has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The LED upgrade will ultimately save them money, as we will see significant savings due to reduced energy bills, carbon reduction and lower maintenance costs.”
 
Teams are currently working in: Astley Bridge; Blackrod; Bromley Cross; Halliwell; Horwich; Heaton; Lostock; Little Lever; the town centre; Tonge; Smithills, and Westhoughton.
 
The next areas to benefit from the new lighting are Great Lever and Rumworth. Work is due to start there at the end of next month.

An LED lighting unit can last for up to 100,000 hours, compared to a sodium street light which lasts for around 15,000.

LEDs are also brighter and keep the streets well-lit and safe for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, reducing the chance of accidents and crime. They also improve the quality of images captured at night on CCTV.
 
The LED lighting is controlled by a wireless Central Management System allowing the lights to be monitored from a central point, which reduces inspection costs and makes it easier to repair faults. This system also enables lighting levels to be varied accordingly.

Residents can get more information about the LED program online www.bolton.gov.uk/LEDlighting.