Some sections of the West Coast’s roading network are getting a brighter makeover due to investments being made by the Buller and Grey District Councils.
Together the two councils are investing a total of almost $1 million in LEDs, the latest innovation in lighting technology.
Nationwide, the transition from traditional sodium lighting to LEDs involves some 360,000 road lights. The benefits of LEDs include:
LEDs used in New Zealand emit a neutral white light. Current research into light and road safety indicates this is the best and safest colour temperature for object recognition for road users.
Councils are being encouraged to switch to LEDs because of the long-term maintenance and energy savings through an 85 percent funding assistance rate (FAR).