Views sought on Buckinghamshire street light trial
- Published
People in Buckinghamshire are being asked for their views on the county's street light switch-off trial.
Lights have been turned off at 46 rural and semi rural locations since 2007.
Proposals for the future, based on collision data and feedback from emergency services, district councils, interest groups and the public, have been developed.
Residents have a chance to check that all the issues have been considered before a final decision is made.
In 2006, the need to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions was identified by the county council against a backdrop of increasing energy costs and a plan to turn off street lights was developed.
Peter Hardy, Buckinghamshire County Council's cabinet member for planning and transport, said: "On some of the sites there was not really a reason why [the lights] were there in the first place.
"Following all the data that we've had in, these lights that were costing the taxpayer and creating carbon emissions just weren't necessary."
Money saving
Since the trial began, it has been successful in saving energy and money and reducing CO2 emissions and light pollution.
Mr Hardy said: "We've saved over £250,000 of taxpayers money over the past three years and we've saved 578 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
"Over the next five years, if the recommendations going through the consultation process follow through, we will save another £430,000.
"Injury collisions have reduced from 74 to 55, so there's no evidence that the trial has led to increased safety worries."
Data remains outstanding from eight sites across the county and recommendations on these sites will be consulted on later in the year.
The consultation runs until 11 December and can be found at Buckinghamshire County Council: Have Your Say, external
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