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| Dimmer switches for street lights | Dimmer switches for street lights |
| (about 11 hours later) | |
| New street lights could be fitted with "dimmer switches" to save energy and cut pollution, road chiefs say. | New street lights could be fitted with "dimmer switches" to save energy and cut pollution, road chiefs say. |
| Lights may be turned down or even off altogether at times when fewer cars and lorries are using the roads. | Lights may be turned down or even off altogether at times when fewer cars and lorries are using the roads. |
| The Highways Agency, which manages England's major routes, says it is looking for ways to cut carbon emissions and light pollution. | The Highways Agency, which manages England's major routes, says it is looking for ways to cut carbon emissions and light pollution. |
| Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman said his department supported the plan and insisted road safety would not suffer. | |
| 'Midnight switch-off' | 'Midnight switch-off' |
| In a written Commons answer this week, the minister said local councils are being encouraged to adopt "energy-saving measures". | In a written Commons answer this week, the minister said local councils are being encouraged to adopt "energy-saving measures". |
| Among these are the use of dimmer switches and a possible midnight switch off of street lights in some areas. | Among these are the use of dimmer switches and a possible midnight switch off of street lights in some areas. |
| Mr Ladyman has said that any financial or environmental saving would have to be balanced against potential adverse effects, for example on accidents and crime. | Mr Ladyman has said that any financial or environmental saving would have to be balanced against potential adverse effects, for example on accidents and crime. |
| Currently about 30% of our network is lit Spokesman for the Highways Agency | Currently about 30% of our network is lit Spokesman for the Highways Agency |
| The Highways Agency said work is at a very early stage, but trials could begin later this year. | The Highways Agency said work is at a very early stage, but trials could begin later this year. |
| A spokesman said: "Our first step could be to look at whether lights could be dimmed at suitable locations when traffic levels are low, but we will not begin on-road trials without very careful pre-assessment. | A spokesman said: "Our first step could be to look at whether lights could be dimmed at suitable locations when traffic levels are low, but we will not begin on-road trials without very careful pre-assessment. |
| "Currently about 30% of our network is lit, mainly at road junctions and roundabouts. This figure is not likely to change significantly, as a result of the new standards. | "Currently about 30% of our network is lit, mainly at road junctions and roundabouts. This figure is not likely to change significantly, as a result of the new standards. |
| "The new standards will not be applied retrospectively to existing lighting. We do expect that it will mean less new lighting being installed in the future. | "The new standards will not be applied retrospectively to existing lighting. We do expect that it will mean less new lighting being installed in the future. |
| "Where a particular need for pedestrian lighting has been identified, we expect levels to be maintained." | "Where a particular need for pedestrian lighting has been identified, we expect levels to be maintained." |
| We do know that street lights on trunk routes are saving lives Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed campaign | We do know that street lights on trunk routes are saving lives Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed campaign |
| Safety fears | Safety fears |
| Some campaigners fear the move could cause an increase in road accidents and make pedestrians walking close to major routes more vulnerable. | Some campaigners fear the move could cause an increase in road accidents and make pedestrians walking close to major routes more vulnerable. |
| Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed road safety campaign, told BBC Radio Five Live: "We do know that street lights on trunk routes are saving lives so I don't see how we can turn them off without compromising safety. | Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed road safety campaign, told BBC Radio Five Live: "We do know that street lights on trunk routes are saving lives so I don't see how we can turn them off without compromising safety. |
| "Obviously we are looking at energy saving schemes throughout modern life, but as far as street lights are concerned I think we're about five years away from having LED street lights which use about 10% of the energy." | "Obviously we are looking at energy saving schemes throughout modern life, but as far as street lights are concerned I think we're about five years away from having LED street lights which use about 10% of the energy." |
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