Friday, January 08, 2016
City of London
LED lighting a bright start to 2016
London is starting 2016 on a bright note, with a cost-effective and progressive LED street light upgrade project. The project will see 9,400 streetlights across the city upgraded to light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures along major roads.
The new lighting system is designed to reduce annual electricity consumption by an estimated 52 per cent because LEDs require far less electricity than traditional streetlights. A solid state technology with no moving parts, LEDs will alsp help reduce maintenance costs by up to 80 per cent and last up to four times longer than the city's existing streetlights.
"Our vision is to make London a leader in our region," said Mayor Matt Brown. "This is not only good for the environment, but it also helps keep costs low."
The installation began in late November and is anticipated to be complete by May. The result will be improved visibility and roadway safety for both vehicle drivers and pedestrians, and also reduced light pollution. The directional nature of LED's will put the light on the road, where it is needed, rather than spilling sideways or upwards. Residents will soon begin noticing the clean, white light produced by the LEDs.
During the installation period, it is expected that residents and business owners will experience only minor impacts. There will be no construction sites, as crews will be mobile during the installation phase. Proper traffic control will be in effect with clear signage directing motorists around the installation locations.
"Upgrading to LED street lighting supports Council's commitment to implement innovative ways to conserve energy; part of the Building a Sustainable City: Strong and Healthy Environment strategy outlined in the 2015-2019 Strategic Plan for the City of London", says John Braam, Managing Director of Environmental and Engineering Services and City Engineer. "LEDs are an environmentally conscious choice, allowing London to reduce its emission of greenhouse gases by approximately 398 metric tonnes per year: the equivalent of the carbon removed by more than 10,000 tree seedlings grown for the next ten years."
Media Contact:
Shane Maguire
Division Manager, Roadway Lighting & Traffic Control
Environmental and Engineering Services
City of London
519 661-2500 ext 8488
smaguire@london.ca
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