Durham County Council has launched a trial to dim streetlights on demand.
A ‘revolutionary’ system is being piloted in Chester-le-Street on a three-mile section of the A167 – one of the busiest roads in the Northeast.
Depending on traffic flows, lights can be dimmed by 30% between midnight and 5am, but lights at conflict areas, such as roundabouts and major intersections, are kept on full power. The ‘Leafnut’ system, which is controlled remotely, has the potential to save up to £46 in energy costs and 100 kilograms of carbon emissions for each light.
Light levels on the A167 are reduced when traffic volumes are low, but areas leading to the road are unchanged. If necessary, the lights can be returned to full power at the touch of a button.
Wilf Newall, the county council’s streetlighting manager, said: ‘With the introduction of the carbon emissions reduction commitment (CERT) and the continued volatility of energy prices, it has become increasingly important to identify ways of reducing the amount of electricity used.
‘This system lets us do this by reducing light levels at particular times, rather than switching lights off altogether.’
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