£123.1m to improve street lighting in Rochdale and Oldham

More than £120 million of Government funding will be made available to improve street lighting in Rochdale and Oldham.

The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) funding will allow Rochdale and Oldham councils to carry out vital improvements and maintenance to street lighting.

Residents will benefit from: 

• Installation of 38,000 new lighting columns within the first five years; 
• Replacement of over 5,000 illuminated traffic signs and bollards;
• Reduction in energy consumption and CO2 emissions; and
• State of the art technology for early detection of defective lighting 

Transport Minister Norman Baker “Good street lighting is vitally important to in reducing road accidents, crime and the fear of crime”.

“That is why, despite current financial constraints, we have made £123.1m available to Oldham and Rochdale for this important scheme.

“We will continue to invest in transport infrastructure that improves safety and provides reassurance to local communities. “

“We are committed to providing investment for much-needed improvements to our local public services. With budgets being squeezed I am pleased to see Oldham and Rochdale finding ways to make this project happen.”

Today’s announcement will allow Rochdale and Oldham to move to the final stages of contractual arrangements and work will begin this summer.

The Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Colin Lambert, said: “Street lighting is important to our local residents for safety and security.

“These new lights will be a big improvement on the current lighting and will include reduction in our carbon footprint and energy bill.

“The use of LED lights for traffic lights will also be a big improvement.”


http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news/51595/street-lighting-project-gets-the-go-ahead