LED street lights go on trial with West Berkshire Council

LED (light-emitting-diode) light units have been fitted this month onto existing lamp columns on the A339 (pictured right) in Newbury.
Although already a feature of street lighting in a number of residential areas in the district, new technology means LED units are now powerful enough to be used on major traffic routes.
The effectiveness of the new LED lighting will be monitored over the coming months and, if there are no problems, they will be rolled out to other main roads in West Berkshire, replacing the existing sodium lamps.
West Berkshire Council said the LED lamps provide a more directional and therefore better quality light and the units can last up to 25 years compared to the four year average lifespan of a sodium lamp. LED units also use less energy and will result in long-term maintenance savings.
West Berkshire Council’s highways and transport spokesman David Betts (Con, Purley on Thames), said: "The long-term cost-saving of these units is obvious, so the new technology enabling their use on main roads is very welcome, as will be the benefit to drivers of improved lighting."
The new lamps have to be fitted during daylight, so there will be lane closures on the A339 while the work takes place.