Darker Nights Highlight Fife's New Street Lighting Technology

As the clocks turned back an hour last weekend, people will now have an earlier opportunity to see the effectiveness of the new street lighting on trial at various locations throughout Fife.

The new street lights are modern and energy efficient and provide better quality lighting. So, as well as bringing them up to date, the new lights will be fitted with innovative technology that will allow the council to monitor and vary the level of lighting from a central location.

This will form part of the process to review and develop a modern street lighting policy for Fife.

The council embarked upon a ten-year, £40 million replacement programme for street lights in 2005 and as part of that project, areas have been identified for trials.


Trials are currently taking place throughout Fife in the following locations:

• Pitteuchar Drive/Rothes Road, Glenrothes
• B981 Main Street & Lumphinnans Road, Lochgelly and Viewfield Terrace, Lumphinnans
• Oriel Road, Kirkcaldy
• A residential area in Auchmuty, Glenrothes (later this month)
• A large industrial area in Golf Course Road and Southfield Industrial Estate, Glenrothes

People who live in these areas or commute through the towns are encouraged to give their comments by accessing the online questionnaire at www.fifedirect.org.uk/lightfifegreen. Paper versions are also available in libraries and local service centres.

Chair of Environment, Enterprise & Transportation Committee, Councillor Tony Martin said: "People might immediately notice the difference the new lighting makes. It’s white light appears brighter and is more efficient than the old orange lights.

"However, it's important that we have a street lighting policy that ensures community safety while balancing the need to reduce our carbon emissions. This is just the first step on our journey of finding the right solution for Fife and I hope as many people as possible have a look at our website and let us know their views on the trial."

The consultation period will last until the end of the year.

(GK/KMcA)