GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council’s LED street lighting partner, Skanska, is half way through the rollout work in Gloucester and is currently on target to complete the scheme in 2018.

Over 6000 streetlights have been upgraded with LED technology since the rollout began.

The modern form of lighting uses 70 per cent less energy than conventional sodium lights and has a much longer life, meaning significantly reduced maintenance costs. By making the decision to use more LED street lights now, the council will make financial savings of about £17million over the next 12 years.

Skanska started the rollout of LED lighting across the county in November last year and has now taken over the general maintenance of the council's street lighting, lit signs and bollards.

In July 2014, cabinet agreed that the council would begin a competitive tender process for a two-part contract, covering an LED lighting scheme and the general maintenance of the council's street lighting, lit signs and bollards.

To mark the start of the eleven year maintenance contract an information event was held with talks and training workshops for both GCC and Skanska staff.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: “Our street lighting partnership with Skanska provides quality services and value for money for local tax payers, as well as helping the county to achieve its sustainability objectives.

“Skanska is currently making great progress replacing existing sodium lighting across the county with more efficient and reliable LED technology, which combined with specialist monitoring equipment will significantly reduce our street lighting maintenance costs.”