New Lamps for Old

9.56.28pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 17th Apr 2006

Milton Keynes Council has embarked on a unique and ambitious scheme - in fact, the largest in the UK. Its aim is to replace all the street lights in the city with the latest, high-tech computer-controlled lights.

Milton Keynes could look very different in the future. The new lights will help to make people feel safer by better illuminating paths and Redways and problem areas will be lit more efficiently.

The lights can be remotely controlled to adjust switching-on times and the intensity of the light. They are better quality than the current models, use less energy and the columns shouldn't need repairing as they have a lifespan of about 250 years.

They project a white light, so colours will be more natural, which provides more accurate CCTV images. They also do not project light upwards into the night sky.

The new lights are already being tested in Netherfield. Their effectiveness will be monitored over the next six months, not only in terms of cost and efficiency but also their effect on crime figures.

Graham Mabbutt, Liberal Democrat cabinet member responsible for Highways and Street Lighting said: "This is an example of how the Liberal Democrats are improving council services and reducing costs at the same time."