A massive refurbishment of street lights across Edinburgh will save millions of pounds as well as help show the city in abetter light. Plans have drawn up which see the present dull sodium bulbs being replaced with new bright LEDs as part of a £30m project to bring the Capital’s street lights into the modern day.

The energy efficient bulbs will help Edinburgh save nearly 40% on the approximate £3m which is currently spent each year illuminating the city with the likelihood of offering future saving with energy prices set to increase in the next few years.

The money was financed after a successful trial in Saughton Mains and Gilmerton Dykes, where 271 lights were upgraded. The change received a public approval rating of 80%. To date, a £2.1m interest-free loan has been secured to transform 6000 street lights, but environment chiefs are targeting a city-wide roll-out ultimately costing around £30m.

Jim Orr, a sustainability lead councillor said, “the wholesale revamp of street lighting was part of ‘Edinburgh’s sustainability journey’. The LED lights were found to make streets look crisper and better and that’s why they were so well received in the two pilot schemes. He then added, So, by rolling out LED lights we’re making Edinburgh look better as well as saving money and reducing carbon emissions. We were delighted with the results of the pilot, which really highlights the benefits of modern, efficient LED lights. They provide much more direct light and illuminates roads and footways with much less light pollution or light directed upwards.”

It is well known that LED light bulbs offer a greater lifespan allowing for costs to be saved through not having as much maintenance. Director of services for communities, Mark Turley who drafted out a report which recommended the roll out said “the lamps use “less energy” and will “therefore secure savings in the lighting energy bill and future carbon tax”.

Transport and environment convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “The aspiration is to replace all street lighting in the city and try to do it with interest-free funding. This means it’s not costing council taxpayers anything and is actually saving money as it goes on and energy costs rise.”