Slough Council Plans to Reduce Street Light Brightness

Street lighting in Slough may be dimmed as part of cost-saving initiatives poised for approval by local council leaders. Illumination levels on residential thoroughfares are proposed to operate at 50% intensity from dusk until 22:00, then at 40% between 22:00 and midnight, and finally at 30% from midnight until dawn. Slough Borough Council stated that this adjustment is anticipated to be “unnoticed by most people” and is projected to yield annual savings of up to £112,000 in energy expenditures. The council conducted pilot programs across residential areas in 17 distinct parts of the borough starting in February 2023, with the formal confirmation of the proposal expected on Monday. At the commencement of the trials, residents voiced fears that reduced lighting could lead to an increase in crime; however, the council reported receiving no complaints while the trials were underway. Presently, all street lights throughout Slough illuminate at 70% of their full capacity on all roads from dusk until dawn. The local authority indicated that the energy expenses required to operate its 11,600 street lights significantly escalated during the 2022/23 fiscal year. It reported spending £345,000 and £380,000 on powering lights in 2020/21 and 2021/22 respectively. However, this figure surged to £966,000 in 2022/23, with a subsequent payment of £960,000 made in 2023/24. Separately, West Berkshire Council has also indicated the possibility of deactivating its street lights as one of several initiatives aimed at financial conservation. Readers can connect with BBC Berkshire via Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. This material is copyrighted by BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.