Dorset leads the way with greener, smarter street lighting upgrade

Dorset Council is set to modernise its street lighting policy, making it more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and designed with local communities in mind.

This includes a proposal for 18,500 outdated streetlights to be replaced with energy-efficient LEDs - at no upfront cost to the public.

If approved by Cabinet on Tuesday 9 September, Dorset Council will become the UK’s first local authority to introduce clear standards for the colour of streetlights to support health, protect wildlife, and preserve Dorset’s night skies - leading the way in sustainable public lighting.

The new policy proposes warmer-toned lights that help reduce light pollution, protect wildlife, and support people’s health and wellbeing. Quieter areas, like the edges of towns, will have dimmer lighting to protect nature, while busier areas, like town centres, will stay well-lit for safety and accessibility.

Because Dorset includes coastal, countryside, and historic areas, lighting needs to be carefully adapted to suit each location. With over half the county designated as Dorset National Landscape (formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), the policy aims to balance modern infrastructure with care for the environment.

Key features of the policy include:

• Zoning: Lighting levels tailored to local needs.
• Community input: Residents can help shape decorative lighting in conservation areas.
• Energy-saving dimming: Lights that already switch off at night will also dim by 50% from 10pm, responding to public feedback.

This plan supports Dorset Council’s goals to tackle the climate and nature emergency while saving money and improving public services.

Cabinet will review a plan that allows Dorset Council to upgrade the streetlights through a £6.5 million investment from its lighting service provider. Instead of the council paying upfront, the provider will cover the cost and keep part of the energy savings until 2032, while Dorset Council saves around £100,000 each year. This means the improvements can begin straight away - bringing better lighting, lower energy use, and benefits for people and nature across Dorset, all without extra cost to residents.

Cllr Nick Ireland, Dorset Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate, Performance and Safeguarding, said:

“This is a great example of how climate-friendly technology can also save money. By upgrading our streetlights, we’re cutting carbon, improving the night-time environment, and reducing costs. It’s a win-win that delivers environmental improvements, financial savings, and better public services - all at no extra cost to residents - creating safer, healthier, and more sustainable communities across Dorset.”

The new LED lights are much more efficient than the old sodium lights - leading to lower energy use and environmental impact. The shift to warmer lighting also helps protect dark skies and reduces harm to night-time wildlife.

Feedback from residents during the March - April 2025 consultation helped shape the policy. People supported warmer lighting, raised concerns about wildlife and sky quality, and backed dimming where it’s safe.

Read the proposed new Street Light Policy.