LED lighting in York

The York Council has converted 12,000 of its streetlights to LED working since 2013.

The remainder are Low Pressure Sodium discharge lamps (1100), high-pressure sodium lamps (5000), Metal Halide (150), plus 1800 other types

The upgrade cost £2.7 million and was funded from borrowing.  Some further conversion work is planned this year.

The Council admits that it did not consult before implementing its programme although some residents express concerns about sensitivities to LED lighting, e.g. people suffering from migraines, lupus and autism.

Some problems (relating to health and road and public safety) regarding glare and flicker are associated with LED street lighting.  Warnings about LED lights have been published (link)

The Council says that its lighting is fault free.

The Council says that it did consider the impact on wildlife such as bats.

LED lighting is regarded as more environmentally friendly as it reduced energy use. It is expected to be more reliable reducing maintenance costs. It is also claimed to reduce night time glare (light is directed downwards)

However, there have been complaints about dark patches on some paths.