Reduced street lighting could be rolled across York in a bid to save energy and money following a successful trial in the city.

Results from an experiment carried out last year – where street lighting was dimmed by 25% in Museum Street and the Rawcliffe Bar park and ride for six-weeks – found that 85% of people questioned did not notice a difference in lighting levels and crime did not increase.

The trial was part of York City Council’s sustainable street lighting strategy, which saw the council use new technology to remotely alter the level of light from streetlights.

Council officers have now been asked to investigate schemes that will operate over a ‘whole life period at no increase in costs, using less technology and with an improved environmental impact, while at the same time ensuring that public perceptions of safety standards are increased through the use of better quality lighting’.