Almost every street lamp in Falkirk now using low-energy LED lights
A significant project in Falkirk district to replace street lamps with low-energy LED lanterns is almost complete, with only new roads around Westfield left to be connected. The ‘spend to save’ initiative has seen the replacement of nearly 27,000 street lights across the district, resulting in substantial cost savings for Falkirk Council.
The switch from halogen to LED street lights has not only been environmentally friendly but has also saved the council millions of pounds. A recent report to the council’s Scrutiny committee highlighted that without this project, the annual cost to the Council would have been significantly higher. Over the past decade, more than 26,900 streetlights have been updated with LED lanterns, leading to a drastic reduction in energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Furthermore, the reliability of LED lanterns has resulted in a 32% decrease in reported street lighting faults, with 94% of faults in 2024/25 being repaired within five working days. However, there is a concern that insufficient funding in the future could impact the performance of the street lighting system. The report emphasised the need for an annual investment of £2.4 million to maintain the street lighting stock effectively.
David Maley, the council manager, highlighted the importance of consistent investment in street lighting to ensure fewer faults and better service. He cautioned that a decrease in funding could lead to a decline in lighting conditions and affect resources allocated for repairs. The street lighting project was part of a broader roads performance report to the Scrutiny Committee, which also outlined ongoing efforts to clean every gully in the district.
An additional £1 million was allocated in the budget to enhance the cleaning and maintenance of the council’s 35,000 gullies, with technology being utilised to identify gullies in need of more frequent cleaning. The report indicated that the cleaning progress has surpassed previous years, with 65% of gullies already cleaned in the current financial year.
In conclusion, Falkirk’s successful transition to low-energy LED street lights reflects the council’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency. While the project has yielded significant benefits so far, continued investment and maintenance will be crucial to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the street lighting infrastructure. The council’s focus on improving not just street lighting but also other essential services like gully cleaning demonstrates a proactive approach to enhancing the district’s infrastructure and environmental impact.