An Aberdeen councillor has raised concerns new energy efficient street lights are leaving residents in the dark.
Kingswells, Sheddocksley and Summerhill Liberal Democrat Steve Delaney said a “significant number” of his constituents had raised the issue of the new LED bulbs.
He said: “There is no doubt about it that the streets appear to be dimmer now.
“This is particularly concerning for people with sight difficulties and it doesn’t help with the fear of crime in some communities.”
He added: “These bulbs are much cheaper to run, they last much longer, they are less likely to fail, they significantly reduce our carbon footprint and the lighting in their immediate vicinity is much improved.
“However, the radius of the area illuminated around each column is significantly reduced, resulting in dark spots between the columns, unlit driveways and the entrances to people’s homes no longer being illuminated.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “New LED streetlights are being installed around the city as part of a £9 million rolling programme of replacing old, inefficient, and expensive lighting.
“The new LEDs give out a much sharper and brighter light and directly shine onto road or footpaths better as they are supposed to do rather than residents’ gardens.
“In addition, they are easier on the human eye, provide improved safety for pedestrians, and provide clearer pictures for CCTV footage, compared to the older orange sodium lights.”
