Lighter, Brighter Streets for Leeds

12.05.50am GMT Tue 9th Nov 2004

LIGHTER, brighter, street lighting will be introduced across Leeds to make the city's streets safer as well as more energy efficient.

The Government has given the green light for Leeds City Council to install new modern street lights to replace its ageing lighting stock. The total cost of this project will be around £100 million and will be funded with the private sector.

Work will commence from the end of next year. Almost all lighting columns - some 80,000 in total- will be replaced, with modern ones, finally ridding large areas of the city from the luminous orange glow which has been lighting up the city for around 30 years.

It won't stop at lighting columns, Tunnels, underpasses and pedestrian subways will benefit too. They will lighter and brighter too. Cycleways, illuminated traffic signs and bollards will also be renewed.

The project, supported by the Department for Transport, to be financed in partnership with the private sector, is the largest investment contract of its kind in the country and companies are now being invited to bid for the work, to start summer 2006.

Leeds City Council executive member for City Services, Councillor Steve Smith, said:

"This is fantastic news for Leeds people. Good street lighting is vital for better security, fewer crimes and better road safety."

"It enhances the appearance of streets, minimises light pollution and encourages people to go out in an evening, particularly elderly and vulnerable people."

"It makes both the day-time and night-time street scene more attractive and provides an increased sense of security and pride and, a more pedestrian friendly environment.

"In particular, it is thought to discourage anti-social behaviour, increase confidence in communities and provide safer travelling routes for motorists and cyclists."

"I am delighted to present this scheme to the people of Leeds."

Hand in hand with these improvements goes the commitment by the Council to meet strict environmental standards to ensure the replacement lighting uses energy efficient and recyclable material yet is less intrusive than the current harsh, orange lighting.

The council's drive to enhance the city's image for national and international tourism and investment, will also benefit from this project.