Almost every Falkirk street lamp now using low energy LED lights

**Almost Every Falkirk Street Lamp Now Using Low Energy LED Lights**

Falkirk Council’s ambitious project to replace nearly all street lamps in the district with low-energy LED lights is now in its final stages, with just the new roads around Westfield left to be connected. The ‘spend to save’ initiative has been hailed as a success, with approximately 27,000 street lights having been upgraded over the past decade.

The transition from halogen to LED street lamps has not only been environmentally friendly but has also resulted in significant cost savings for the council. Reports indicate that if this project had not been undertaken over the last ten years, the annual expenses for the council would be approximately £2 million higher than the current costs.

Moreover, the installation of LED ‘white light source’ lanterns has led to a substantial reduction in energy consumption, from 10,500,000 kw/hrs in 2014/15 to 4,400,000 kw/hrs in 2023/24. This switch has also contributed to a decrease in CO2 emissions, from 4215 to 941 tonnes. The improved reliability of LED lanterns has resulted in a 32 per cent drop in reported street lighting faults, with 94 per cent of faults being repaired within five working days in 2024/25.

Despite these achievements, concerns have been raised about a potential lack of funds affecting future maintenance and performance. Council officers estimate that an annual investment of £2.4 million is necessary to uphold the street lighting infrastructure, which is more than double the current budget of £1 million for 2024/2025. Failure to address columns beyond their service life could pose safety risks and lead to serious accidents.

David Maley, the manager overseeing the project, highlighted the correlation between funding levels and service quality. He emphasised the need for consistent investment to minimise faults and maintain operational standards. Should funding remain insufficient, adjustments to the maintenance strategy may be necessary to address any deterioration in lighting conditions.

In addition to the street lighting upgrades, Falkirk Council has allocated an extra £1 million in its budget to enhance the cleaning and maintenance of the district’s 35,000 gullies. This investment aims to improve performance following previous challenges, including high absence rates and limited resources exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Technological advancements are being utilised to gather data on gullies, such as silt levels, enabling targeted cleaning and more efficient maintenance. By prioritising the most critical areas, the council aims to achieve comprehensive cleaning coverage by the end of March 2025.

As Falkirk continues its sustainability efforts and infrastructure enhancements, ongoing financial support will be crucial to sustaining these improvements and ensuring the safety and functionality of essential public services.

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**Insights and Summary:**

The transition to low energy LED street lights in Falkirk showcases a proactive approach towards energy efficiency and cost savings. The significant reduction in energy consumption and CO2 emissions highlights the positive impact of sustainable infrastructure upgrades. However, the challenges posed by limited funding underscore the importance of continued investment to maintain service standards and public safety. By leveraging technology and strategic planning, Falkirk Council aims to optimise its resources and enhance essential services for the community’s benefit.