Council to decide on future of street light trial

Devon County Council said it was "on track" to deliver major savings in energy and costs

A decision over whether to make a street lighting trial permanent will be made in early 2026.

Devon County Council (DCC) said the year-long trial, which began in April, involved earlier switch-off times and dimmer lighting across Exeter, market towns, and rural areas as part of efforts to save money.

The council said the trial was "on track" to deliver major savings in energy, carbon emissions and costs.

DCC added that it had saved about £270,000 and 200 tonnes of carbon, and that the changes supported wildlife by reducing light pollution and disruption to nocturnal species.

However, there had been concerns that the earlier switch-off times could impact shift workers.

In response, the council said: "Following discussions with police and the town council, lighting hours were adjusted on key routes.

"Devon and Cornwall Police have otherwise backed the scheme, praising the council's responsiveness to local safety issues.

Cabinet member for highways, Dan Thomas, said the trial demonstrated how technology could balance sustainability with community needs.

He said: "We're reducing costs and carbon while still keeping people safe. The ability to adjust lighting quickly means we can respond to local concerns without losing the wider benefits."

Chair of corporate infrastructure and regulatory services scrutiny committee, Helen Brown, said it was critical to ensure that any changes worked for local communities as well as delivering on carbon reduction goals.

The cabinet is due to make a final decision in February 2026.