Street Lighting Policy Consultation

Closes 4 May 2025

Opened 24 Mar 2025

Contact

01305 221020

Overview

The council is seeking feedback on a range of potential changes to its street lighting to improve nighttime safety, save energy and be more sustainable.

The current policy highlights the benefits of moving from relatively inefficient old-style lighting (sodium lights) to Light Emitting Diode (LED) streetlights, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 60%. This has been an integral part of the climate programme for the council.

However, some residents have expressed a preference for the warmer light of the old sodium systems. LED streetlights typically have a much whiter light than the old sodium lights. 

The current policy and Environmental Zones

The Dorset Council Street Lighting and Illuminated Signs Policy 2020 sets rules for new or replacement street lighting. It aims to:

  • make roads safer at night
  • reduce crime and the fear of crime in the dark
  • provide cost-effective lighting that saves energy and is sustainable
  • minimise environmental impact while improving nighttime ambiance
  • keep lighting equipment in good condition to avoid early failures

Environmental Zones: When deciding on lighting, environmental factors, energy use, and light pollution are considered. Dorset is divided into four zones to decide where and what type of lighting is needed:

Zone 1: World Heritage sites, beautiful natural areas, and dark sky areas

Zone 2: Rural areas with low to medium population

Zone 3: Urban areas with medium to high population

Zone 4: Urban centres with high nighttime activity

Proposed changes

The council is reviewing the street lighting that could be used to light our highway network. This includes the possible benefits and implications associated with moving to a policy of using lower colour temperature light emitting diode (LED) streetlights. It is possible over the next 5 years that around 6000 sodium lights could be replaced (subject to costs), so we are consulting on the approach to take for these new lights. 

The potential changes we are consulting on are:

  • using lower correlated colour temperature (CCT) LEDs in new streetlights for a warmer lighting mix
  • clarifying the environmental zoning for street lighting
  • dimming lights 

These changes will be considered within the context of the council’s commitment to the Natural Environment, its Climate and Ecological priorities, public health and safety and the ongoing need to reduce costs. 

The new policy will be specific to Dorset, taking into account modern technology, health and wellbeing, Dorset’s unique environment, our climate ambitions and recognised best practice. 

Responses to the consultation will be reviewed and used to update the council’s Street Lighting and Illuminated Signs Policy which was introduced in 2020.

Please note, any data collected follows Dorset Council's privacy policy.

If you require the survey in a paper format, please contact us on 01305 221020

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