KNOWSLEY Council has successfully completed 1 of its largest street lighting improvement programmes in recent years, replacing more than 18,000 street lights with modern, energy-efficient LED technology in partnership with infrastructure services provider Enerveo.

The programme has upgraded lighting infrastructure in every ward across the borough. Alongside street lighting replacements, the project included upgrades to high-mast lighting on the M62 motorway, subway lighting and illuminated traffic signs, delivering improvements across the borough’s public lighting network.

The ambitious programme commenced in July 2022 in the Northwood ward in Kirkby and has been delivered in carefully planned phases to minimise disruption to residents and road users. The final lantern replacement was recently completed at Market Place in Prescot Town Centre, marking the successful conclusion of a project that has transformed lighting across Knowsley.

The upgraded LED lighting will deliver significant environmental and financial benefits. They are considerably more energy efficient than the traditional lighting they replace and are expected to reduce electricity consumption by approximately 2.94 million kWh each year which is the equivalent to powering 800 average homes and 385 tonnes of CO, which equates to taking 84 average cars off the road each year.

This reduction in energy use will make an important contribution towards Knowsley Council's commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2040.

Alongside the environmental benefits, the technology offers enhanced reliability and lower maintenance requirements, helping to reduce operational costs.

The new lighting also provides improved visibility and lighting performance across the borough's streets, helping to create safer and more welcoming public spaces for residents, visitors and businesses.

Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said:- “It’s been great to work in partnership with Enerveo to complete our ambitious and transformative street lighting programme, which will benefit our residents, road users, cyclists and pedestrians alike.”

Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said:- “Programmes like this are vital if we are to achieve our ambitious target of reducing emissions from our own buildings and services to net zero by 2040. The programme has also delivered other benefits too including lighter and brighter streets, helping to promote feelings of safety.”

John Bate, Operations Manager at Enerveo, added:- “Completing the Knowsley LED upgrade programme is a major milestone that reflects the strong partnership between Enerveo and Knowsley Council. We are proud to have upgraded more than 18,000 street lights, along with high-mast, subway and signage lighting, creating a more efficient, reliable and sustainable network across the borough. The programme will cut annual energy use by almost 3 million kWh, reduce maintenance needs and support the Council's ambition to become carbon neutral by 2040, delivering lasting financial and environmental value for residents.”