A review of street lighting in the Dorset Council area is currently underway, with a consultation on potential changes open from Monday 24 March until 4 May 2025.
Dorset Council is seeking feedback on a range of potential changes to its street lighting to improve night-time safety, reduce energy consumption and enhance environmental sustainability.
Responses to the consultation will be reviewed and used to update the council’s Street Lighting and Illuminated Signs Policy which was introduced in 2020.
The current policy highlights the benefits of moving from relatively inefficient old-style lighting (sodium lights) to Light Emitting Diode (LED) streetlights, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 60%. This has been an integral part of the climate programme for the council.
However, some residents have expressed a preference for the warmer light of the old sodium systems. LED streetlights typically have a much whiter light than the old sodium lights.
Current policy
The policy sets the requirements and standards for new or replacement public highway lighting. This includes:
- improving night-time safety for road users and communities
- reducing crime and fear of crime during darkness
- providing cost-effective public lighting with a focus on energy conservation and sustainability
- minimising environmental impact while enhancing night-time ambience
- maintaining lighting assets to prevent premature failures
Since 2011, part-night lighting has been applied in areas with the lowest levels of highway use, with streetlights typically turned off between midnight and 5.30am in quieter, residential areas. This approach aims to balance safety and cost-effectiveness, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Potential changes to the policy
The council is reviewing the street lighting that could be used to light our highway network. This includes the possible benefits and implications associated with moving to a policy of using lower colour temperature light emitting diode (LED) streetlights.
The potential changes being consulted on are:
- using lower correlated colour temperature (CCT) LEDs in new streetlights
- clarifying the environmental zoning for street lighting
- dimming lights in residential areas during quieter times.
These changes will be considered within the context of the council’s commitment to the natural environment, its climate and ecological priorities, public health and safety, and the ongoing need to reduce costs.
To request a paper copy of the survey, please telephone 01305 221020
