Council chiefs in Aberdeen have admitted to a street lighting error after residents claimed dim bulbs put their safety at risk.
Intelligent street lighting was installed across Aberdeen earlier this year in an effort to save money.
But that prompted a flurry of complaints from Bucksburn residents who claimed streets had been left in the dark – and caused some to fear an increase in crime.
That led officials to carry out an evaluation of the street lighting in the area – including Wagley Place – and they have said accepted there was an error.
Money-saving streetlights in Aberdeen create ‘great’ conditions for thieves, say residents
It is understood the wrong lanterns were fitted and Aberdeen City Council is now looking into how many street lights were affected.
One Bucksburn resident said: “It is great news the lights are now being changed, though only after many people complained to their MSPs and councillors and through the complaints section on the council’s web site.
“Finding out they miscalculated the strength of the lanterns is laughable. Hopefully they are fixed as promised”
MSP Mark MacDonald said: “I contacted Aberdeen City Council following receipt of numerous complaints regarding the inadequate lighting provided by newly installed LED street lights throughout my constituency.
“I am pleased to learn the council is now investigating and correcting this problem.”
Aberdeen was one of the first cities in Scotland to implement the new LED lights which can be controlled and dimmed remotely.
An city council spokeswoman said: “The wrong size of lantern was designed for the location when the streetlighting was changed to LEDs.”
Remedial works to install the correct lighting is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
They have been unable to confirm how many lights were involved.
In a response to residents’ concerns, a council official said: “During this evaluation, it became apparent that a calculation error had been made during the design process which had resulted in the wrong type of lantern being identified for installation.”
They said council works teams had been instructed to rectify the error “at the earliest opportunity”.
Bucksburn councillor Avril MacKenzie added: “The street lighting was introduced to be more energy efficient and green.
“Everyone makes mistakes and it is a shame that a mistake was made with the lanterns.”
