Column Replacement Programme
The Column Replacement Programme is an annual programme designed to identify and replace lighting columns that are shown to be structurally unsound. This is usually done on a whole road basis with the lighting being upgraded to current British Standards. To help understand some of the issues surrounding the programme some of the frequently asked questions are answered here:
Why is replacement necessary?
Some of the existing lighting is in bad structural condition through age, or the illumination levels do not meet modern standards
What will happen?
The locations for the new street lights will be marked out on the ground and the new columns installed. Only after the new lights are connected to the electricity supply will any old ones be removed.
Why are the new street lights in different positions to the old ones?
To comply with present day codes of practice and provide appropriate levels of illumination, more street lights at closer spacings are usually required. When spacings are changed, it is very unusual for the old and new columns to be in exactly the same place.
Is there a policy about where columns are located?
The preferred locations are between houses, between drives or on the house side of the drive. The Council aims to position column in one of these locations, but this is not always possible. Columns are normally sited at the back of footways or in verges. This minimises obstruction on the footway and damage to columns caused by vehicles.
Does anybody check the column positions before they are put up?
Every column position is checked on site to make sure that access to houses and commercial premises is not obstructed.
Why is there a delay between putting up new street lights and taking down old ones?
We rely on the Regional Electricity Company (Scottish and Southern Energy plc) to make most individual connections and disconnections from the electricity cables. The timescales applied to connections to street lights are longer than those applied to connections to buildings.
What happens to the excavated area adjacent to the new street lighting columns?
The area will be reinstated to existing ground level. After all electrical connections have been made to the new columns and redundant columns removed, a permanent reinstatement will be carried out.
What should I do if I want more information on the proposed works?
Immediately prior to the works starting on site you will receive a letter giving contact details for any enquiries. To view this year's schemes click: Column Replacement Programme 06/07