Essex Highways flicking the switch on upgraded streetlights in Rochford, Castle Point and Maldon
More energy efficient lights coming to remaining parts of Essex to help reduce maintenance costs.
Rochford, Castle Point and Maldon are the next Essex districts to have their streetlights upgraded as part of the programme being rolled out by Essex Highways.
So far 115,000 older style lights have been replaced with LED ones, which is around 87% of all the lights in Essex.
The new units save around 75% of energy compared to the previous lights. They are also more efficient as they are expected to last up to 20 years, reducing the cost on taxpayers to replace the bulbs more frequently.
Essex Highways crews have been replacing around 600 lights a week - mostly in residential areas. The lights also include a sensor which allows them to be monitored and dimmed remotely and any issues are reported automatically.
The roll out of the upgrade programme was previously delayed due to a shortage in parts caused in part by the Ukraine war. However, fitting the new lights is now back on track to be substantially completed by March 2024.
The remaining areas are expected to have their lights upgraded at the following times:
- Brentwood – currently underway, expected to be completed by mid-November
- Uttlesford – currently underway, expected to be completed by mid-December
- Rochford – mid-December to end of January
- Maldon – end of January to end of March
Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: "The rollout of the LED upgrade programme across Essex has been very impressive, and I'm pleased to see it's in its final phase.
“The Essex Highways team has worked very hard to remain on track despite delays out of our control, and the benefits of more energy efficient and longer-lasting lights will mean reduced costs for taxpayers."
Councillor Laureen Shaw, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport and Member for Rochford North, said: "The streetlight upgrade programme is a real success story for Essex Highways and I'm pleased the residents of Rochford North and neighbouring districts, which will have their lights upgraded over the coming weeks, are among the next to benefit."
Around 95% of the lights are working as expected, with the remaining 3% waiting for repairs. Residents are still able to report issues with streetlights through the Essex Highways 'tell us' tool on the website.
For more information about the LED upgrade programme, please visit: www.essexhighways.org/replacement-by-leds-programme.