Why do we have street lights?
Street lighting helps make people feel safe and helps to reduce car
crashes and crime.
Who owns and looks after street lights in Kent?
We own and look after most of the street lights in Kent. Parish,
district and town councils own and look after others. Some are part
of new developments, and we are not responsible for them. Some may
be privately owned.
If we own them, they will have a code on the side of the column,
such as 'ABCD123', which we use to identify the light.
How many street lights and lighted signs do you look
after?
In Kent, there are approximately:
- 113,000 street lights;
- 14,000 lighted signs; and
- 5500 bollards.
How can I report a faulty street light?
Please contact us on 08458 247 800. When you contact us, it
would be helpful if you can give us as much information as possible
about the street light that is faulty. All we need is:
- the code on the side of the column or the number or name of the
house the light is outside;
- the name of the road;
- the name of the town or village; and
- what is wrong with the light.
The more information you provide, the quicker we can repair the
light.
Why do street lights sometimes not work?
There are two main reasons street lights stop working. The first is
faulty equipment in the street light, such as a bulb failing, and
the second is a problem with the electricity supply.
How quickly will you fix faulty street lights?
We will visit the faulty street light within seven working days
(Monday to Friday) and we will try to fix the problem then, if we
have the replacement part. However, if there is a problem with the
electricity supply to the light, we will need to work closely with
the electricity supplier and it can take more time to sort out the
problem.
How do you decide when a street light should be on?
There are no specific hours. The most common way of making sure the
light comes on when it starts getting dark is to use a
photo-electric cell. This measures the level of light and switches
the lamp on at dusk and off at dawn.
Why are street lights on all night?
Having street lights on all night helps to:
- keep people and property safe;
- prevent car crashes; and
- help the emergency services.
- In residential areas, evidence shows that providing lights at
night-time significantly reduces crime. Leaving a street light on
all night costs only a little more than turning it off for part of
the night.
What is the cost of running a street light?
The average cost of running a street light, including electricity,
replacing bulbs and general maintenance, is between £30 and £50 a
year. This is less than £1 a week.
Why are the lights different colours?
Depending on the age of the street light and the bulb used, the
colour of the light may be light yellow, orange or white.
The older bulbs use 'gas discharge', where chemicals in the bulb
give a yellow or orange colour to the light. Modern bulbs give out
a much whiter light.
What can I do about the light from the street light outside my
house shining into my windows?
If a street light is causing you problems, you should talk to us.
It may be that using a more modern 'head' to the street light,
which directs the light away from your window, may solve the
problem. If this does not work, we can try other things. For
example, we can fit a screen or shield to blank out part of the
light.
Street lights are designed to light the surrounding area as well
as the road itself. This is so drivers can see possible dangers.
Lights also light pavements and the front of properties.
Some older street lights tend to spread light all around,
including upwards. Modern street lights are much better at putting
light where it is needed.
Sometimes it is not possible to completely get rid of the
problem as this may prevent the street light from being effective,
so we may need to find a compromise.
How do I report a problem with a street light ?
Report a problem with a street light by using the
online fault reporting form to tell us about a fault with a
street light - this link will open in a new window. You
will require an e-mail address to complete an online report - if
you do not have an e-mail address please call 08458 247
800 |