Brighter nights ahead as Staffordshire invests in LED Streetlights

The county council has upgraded nearly 3,000 street lights so far, as part of phase two of the Invest To Save programme.

As the nights grow longer, Staffordshire County Council’s investment in modern LED streetlights is helping to keep the county’s roads safer and brighter whilst making big cost savings. 

With the clocks having gone back on Sunday 26 October, the county council is reminding residents of its ongoing commitment to upgrading a further 15,000 streetlights across Staffordshire.

This £4.9 million investment is part of the Invest to Save programme, which has already replaced nearly 48,000 streetlights since 2020. 

Phase two of the programme has already seen almost 3,000 LED streetlights installed since cabinet approved it earlier this year. 

The switch to LEDs means clearer, longer-lasting lighting that improves visibility during the darker months, while also saving the county £1.2 million in energy costs every year. 

LED lanterns are 60% cheaper to run than traditional orange lamps and last up to 25 years, reducing maintenance needs. 

The project will continue to be delivered over the next two years by E.ON, which manages the county’s highway lighting network on behalf of the council. Funding comes from the council’s Private Finance Initiative reserve, dedicated solely to street lighting improvements. 

Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said: “With the nights drawing in, it’s crucial that our streets remain well-lit. 

“Switching to LED streetlights means we can save money while making sure people feel safe when they’re out and about after dark. 

“The new lights last longer and need less maintenance, which means fewer faults and less disruption for residents.” 

The streetlight upgrades form part of a wider effort to boost energy efficiency across Staffordshire, alongside initiatives such as the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) and Staffordshire Warmer Homes, which support local businesses and residents in cutting energy use and costs.