Decision details

The report seeks approval to implement a new dimming approach for street lighting across the city following a successful trial carried out in August and September 2019. This will contribute to reducing carbon emissions in response to the declared climate emergency.

That the Cabinet Member for Environment, Streetscene and Climate Change:-

·       Agrees to the implementation of the city-wide approach to Street Lighting, as set out in the report; and

·       Notes and endorses the efforts to reduce carbon emissions by this positive action.

The proposed dimming of Sheffield’s street lighting ensures the Council continues to provide a level of light suitable to the volume of traffic and highway use whilst realising a financial and carbon saving for the city.

An alternative would be to leave the lighting levels as they are.  This is not recommended due to the potential benefits for the environment of reducing the lighting levels.

A further alternative could be to consider switching street lighting off overnight, leaving residential areas without lighting.  Whilst this would maximise the financial and carbon savings, it would increase the impacts identified within the Equality Impact Assessment.