20 December 2007

CSS TO TAKE A LEAD TO ADDRESS STREET LIGHT SHORTAGE

We all know that dogs love lamp posts. But lamp posts, it seems, do not love dogs!

The corrosive effect of canine wee may be one factor contributing to the current heavy demand for new lighting columns, which producers are struggling to meet.

Supply difficulties have been highlighted by CSS which represents local authority strategic directors responsible for street lighting amongst a number of other transport and environment issues.

“Many factors can affect the life of lighting columns such as more aggressive environments near the coast and possibly even dogs’ urine.  It is essential that a careful risk assessment is undertaken by each local authority when planning replacement programmes,” says CSS Street Lighting Group chairman Roger Elphick.

Britain is, apparently, currently suffering from a serious shortage of street lighting columns, which means that some local authorities are finding it difficult to sustain their replacement programmes. The manufacturers are finding it difficult to keep up with increased demand created by a number of PFI (Private Finance Initiative) schemes and more maintenance funding allocated to local authorities under the recent Local Transport Plan settlements.

Now the CSS and the UK Lighting Board will be meeting early next year to see what can be done to improve the situation.  It has been suggested that too much variation in specifications is adding to pressure on delivery times.

ends

Media contact  

Susan Tolman, Daybreak Communications office 0845 644 3845; mobile 07786 543430; susan.tolman@daybreakcomm.co.uk

Notes to editors

• CSS represents local authority chief officers who manage some of the most pressing issues facing the UK today. Membership is drawn from all four corners of the United Kingdom with members responsible for three-quarters of the road network, two thirds of the land area and just under half of the population of England and Wales. Operating at the strategic tier of local government, they are closely involved in crucial transport, waste management, environment, planning, energy and economic development issues.