EALING council are to investigate plans to ‘future-proof’ the borough's streetlights through upgrading all sodium lights to energy efficient LED bulbs.
The upgrade is expected to achieve energy savings of up to 50 percent just as the costs reach an all time high, with prices expected to rise even further in the future.
The council is also to become liable for a new carbon tax from next year which is estimated at more than £80,000 per year at current consumption rates.
Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: "This is a very exciting and innovative proposal. If we go ahead with this investment, we will be the first London council to switch to cheaper LED lights on this scale and the first to reap the environmental, economic and safety benefits."
The council currently has 21,890 standard and 2,545 ornate sodium streetlights, however, the latter in conservation areas will remain as the LED technology for this type of lamp is still relatively undeveloped.
If plans for the brighter new lights get the go ahead it said they will also make it easier for motorists and pedestrians to see at night, reducing potential for road accidents and crime.
