{"id":68840,"date":"2026-02-17T12:45:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T12:45:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/?p=68840"},"modified":"2026-02-20T10:36:50","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T10:36:50","slug":"permanent-street-lighting-changes-given-green-light","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/permanent-street-lighting-changes-given-green-light\/","title":{"rendered":"Permanent street lighting changes given the green light"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Proposals to make permanent changes to street lighting across the county have been approved by Cabinet, following a year\u2011long trial that responded to community needs while cutting costs, reducing carbon emissions and delivering environmental benefits.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision, on Tuesday 17 February, means earlier switch\u2011off times and further dimming of streetlights will continue in residential areas, market towns and rural locations, while lighting on main roads will remain unchanged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The approach builds on Devon\u2019s long\u2011standing policy of part\u2011night lighting and takes advantage of new smart technology that allows lights to be adjusted remotely and quickly if safety concerns arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the trial began in April last year, the Council has reduced the amount of electricity used for street lighting by more than one million kilowatt hours a year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At current energy prices, this equates to savings of around \u00a3270,000 annually, money that can be redirected to other frontline services. The reduction in energy use is also expected to save around 200 tonnes of carbon emissions a year, supporting the Council\u2019s climate change commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The changes follow a major investment in LED lighting and a Central Management System, which now connects more than 66,000 streetlights across Devon. This technology allows lighting levels to be tailored to the needs of different areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Environmental benefits have also been a key factor in the decision. Dimming lights and switching them off earlier reduces light pollution, helping protect nocturnal wildlife and support biodiversity in both urban and rural areas.<\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n\t
\r\n

Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways, said:<\/p><\/div>\r\n \t\t

\u201cThis decision strikes the right balance between being responsible with public money, tackling climate change and continuing to keep people safe. The trial has shown we can significantly reduce energy use and carbon emissions while still responding quickly to local concerns.<\/p>\n

\u201cStreet lighting is not a one\u2011size\u2011fits\u2011all service. With the technology we now have, we can tailor lighting to different communities and make changes where they\u2019re needed, including increasing lighting levels if safety issues are identified.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n

\r\n\t
\r\n\t\t\"Councillor\r\n
\r\n Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n <\/figure>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\n\n\n

The Council worked closely with Devon and Cornwall Police throughout the trial, including specialist crime prevention teams. Police raised no objections in principle, and in areas where concerns were identified, changes were made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Ilfracombe, for example, feedback from shift workers highlighted worries about earlier switch\u2011off times on routes used late at night. Following discussions with the police and the town council, lighting times on key routes were adjusted to provide reassurance for people travelling to and from work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Areas such as pedestrian crossings will remain fully lit, and lighting can be altered quickly through the Central Management System if new concerns are raised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cllr Thomas added: \u201cUsing smarter street lighting enables us to cut costs, reduce emissions and lessen environmental impact, while retaining the ability to prioritise safety where it matters most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a flexible approach and we will continue to listen to communities and respond where there are genuine risks.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":859,"featured_media":68842,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[986],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-68840","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-roads-and-transport"],"acf":[],"featured_image":{"ID":68842,"title":"Copy of hero image for news website 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