Street lights to get new bulbs to save Wakefield Council £1.25m

The cabinet is set to approve plans to introduce the energy efficient lights across the district.

It will consider a three-year plan to replace street lights with LED lights at a meeting next week.

The proposal would see the council use a new high-tech system monitor, which shows when street lights need maintenance.

It would also enable lighting levels to be changed throughout the night.

The cost of street lighting has risen from just under £1m in 2009 to £2.3m in 2013.

Energy costs could rise to £3.1m by 2019/20 if the existing system stays in place.

The new scheme would reduce energy costs to an estimated £1.25m a year by 2019/20.

Coun David Dagger, cabinet member for transportation and highways, said: “In this tough economic climate where the council will need to save £38m next year.

“We are looking carefully at all our services and how can get the best value for money.

“This is a good way of looking to the future and saving on our energy costs in the long term.”

Cabinet members will meet on Tuesday to discuss the plans.