Kingston Council is in the midst of replacing the borough's ageing street lighting with LEDs in a bid to cut back on carbon emissions and save on expenditures.

As part of the authority's 'commitment' to creating a 'greener, safer future' for the borough, it has been working to reduce the amount of climate changing emissions generated locally while providing critical services for its residents.

Part of this work includes updating Kingston's street light network with modern LED bulbs which use half the power of the older street lights.

So far, 6,160 of the borough's 7,034 old lights have been upgraded, with works set to finish by the end of 2023.

Kingston Council has claimed the project is expected to save £220,000 each year, based on current energy costs, and avoid around 5,050 tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 25 years.

As well as using significantly less electricity, the new lights have a much longer lifespan compared with non-LED bulbs, saving on maintenance and inspection costs.

Cllr Ian Manders, Portfolio Holder for Climate Action and Sustainable Transport, said: "These new lights save power, save money, and save carbon emissions. They are a brilliant, green investment, with a rapid pay-back."

The next part of the borough to undergo the upgrades is Clarence Street in Kingston Town Centre, with works taking place later this month.

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