Reducing light pollution in National Parks

Thursday, 20 September 2012

Around 3,600 LED lights are to be installed in residential roads in the New Forest and South Downs National Parks in a bid to gain carbon reduction savings, reduce light pollution and create more natural night skies in rural areas.

£1 million for LED lighting

As part of Hampshire County Council's streetlighting replacement programme, contractors Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) have earmarked £1 million for LED lighting in Hampshire.

LED lighting is a highly energy efficient light source, offering improved control over lighting levels and ideal for use in residential areas of the National Parks.

'Enjoy darker skies at night'

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport said:

"The streetlighting replacement programme is now in its third year and work is due to start shortly in rural areas, including the two National Parks. With lighting such a sensitive issue in the New Forest and South Downs, by replacing the old lanterns with LED lights we can help to reduce light pollution and give local people the opportunity to enjoy darker skies at night. The LED lights can also be dimmed where appropriate, to achieve further savings in energy use."

Energy savings

LED lanterns are set to produce annual savings of around 257,000 kWhs when compared to conventional lights, as well as delivering £24,000 savings in energy use a year.

• Hampshire Street Lighting Services

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