A review of street lighting in the Dorset Council area is currently underway, with a consultation on potential changes open from Monday, 24 March, until 4 May 2025.
We are seeking feedback on a range of potential changes to our street lighting to improve night-time safety, reduce energy consumption and enhance environmental sustainability.
Responses to the consultation will be reviewed and used to update our Street Lighting and Illuminated Signs Policy, which was introduced in 2020.
The current policy highlights the benefits of moving from relatively inefficient old-style lighting (sodium lights) to Light Emitting Diode (LED) streetlights, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 60%. This has been an integral part of the climate programme for the council.
However, some residents have expressed a preference for the warmer light of the old sodium systems. LED streetlights typically have a much whiter light than the old sodium lights.
Current policy
The policy sets the requirements and standards for new or replacement public highway lighting. This includes:
- improving night-time safety for road users and communities
- reducing crime and fear of crime during darkness
- providing cost-effective public lighting with a focus on energy conservation and sustainability
- minimising environmental impact while enhancing night-time ambience
- maintaining lighting assets to prevent premature failures
Since 2011, part-night lighting has been applied in areas with the lowest levels of highway use, with streetlights typically turned off between midnight and 5.30am in quieter, residential areas. This approach aims to balance safety and cost-effectiveness, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Potential changes to the policy
We are reviewing the street lighting that could be used to light our highway network. This includes the possible benefits and implications associated with moving to a policy of using lower colour temperature light emitting diode (LED) streetlights.
The potential changes being consulted on are:
- using lower correlated colour temperature (CCT) LEDs in new streetlights
- clarifying the environmental zoning for street lighting
- dimming lights in residential areas during quieter times.
These changes will be considered within the context of the council’s commitment to the natural environment, its climate and ecological priorities, public health and safety, and the ongoing need to reduce costs.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, said, “We want people’s views on the potential changes.
“This feedback will help us shape a street lighting policy that not only enhances safety and reduces energy consumption but also respects our environment and the lives of local communities.
“We will be preparing a new street lighting policy, taking a Dorset-specific approach to the application of street lighting that considers modern technological advancements, health and wellbeing, Dorset’s unique environment, our climate ambitions, and recognised best practice.
“Town and parish councils will also be empowered to fund bespoke streetlights for their communities.
“Please take the opportunity to have your say by completing our consultation questionnaire.”
Environmental considerations
Environmental factors are taken into account when considering the installation of highway lighting schemes. If there is a need to provide lighting, the energy usage and light pollution must be taken into consideration (with sensitivity towards the daytime appearance of equipment).
Dorset is divided into an environmental zoning system to determine whether lighting should be provided at a particular location, or on a particular length of highway. The four different categories are used to define the standards and type of lights to be used:
- Zone 1: World Heritage sites, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Dark Sky Areas
- Zone 2: Rural locations with low/medium population densities
- Zone 3: Urban locations with medium/high population densities
- Zone 4: Urban centres with high usage during darkness
For a paper copy of the survey, please telephone 01305 221020
