Locals Rely on Torches as Dim Street Lights Leave Pavements Dark
Residents in Milton are frustrated with dim street lights, forcing them to use torches for safety while walking at night
Milton, Cambridge, Street Lights, LED, Cambridgeshire County Council
Milton: People in this town, just north of Cambridge, are really upset about the streetlights. They’re calling them “dim” and it’s causing some serious safety concerns.
One resident mentioned that the lights on Willow Crescent, which were supposed to be bright, have actually gotten dimmer over time. It’s frustrating because they thought the new lights would be an improvement.
Cambridgeshire County Council is planning to replace around 47,500 streetlights with LEDs. They think this will help cut down on light pollution and save energy. But for now, locals are left in the dark.
Alison Louise Hannah, a concerned resident, shared her experience. She said that when the new lights were put in, one lamp post was removed, and they were told the new ones would be brighter. But that hasn’t happened.
Now, she and others find themselves walking in the middle of the road at night because the pavements are too dark and uneven. It’s safer to use a torch than risk tripping over.
Cambridgeshire County Council is responsible for over 53,500 streetlights. They expect the replacement project to take about two years, aiming to finish by May 2026.
Councillor Alex Beckett mentioned that they’re finally ready to upgrade the streetlights to more efficient LEDs. This change is not just about saving energy; it’s also about reducing carbon emissions.
He noted that the new lights will last longer and require less maintenance, which is a win-win for everyone. Plus, the money saved on energy will go back into other important services.
The council buys electricity for street lighting from EDF Energy, ensuring it comes from renewable sources. They’re confident that the new LED lights will be reliable and won’t fail often.
These new lights are designed to last for 20 years with minimal upkeep. They’re also tested to ensure they provide enough brightness on the roads, even if some areas might seem darker now.
In rural spots, they’ll use a softer white light that’s better for wildlife, like bats. The goal is to light the roads while keeping other areas less illuminated to cut down on light pollution.
If you want to learn more about the streetlight replacement program, you can check out the Cambridgeshire County Council’s website for details.