Blackout of street lights

Hundreds of street lights across Telford could be switched off leaving several main roads blacked out in an attempt by the council to save cash.

Officials at Telford & Wrekin Council are proposing switching off 1,350 street lights on six A-roads from midnight to 5.30am.

They claim the move would result in a saving of £76,000-a-year from the authority's £1 million lighting budget.

Council chiefs say the big switch-off would also help to reduce carbon emissions.

The roads being considered are all within Telford's urban area and include the A442 Eastern Primary, A4169 Ironbridge bypass, A464 Hollinswood interchange, A5223 Wellington Road in Oakengates, A518 Newport to Stafford road and the A5.

Councillor Adrian Lawrence, cabinet member for environment and rural area, said that residential areas would not be earmarked for the switch-off.

Primary

He said: "Budget proposals for service efficiencies include this scheme but would not affect lights in residential, commercial areas, road junctions, traffic islands, refuge islands or pedestrian crossings.

"Only primary routes would be affected."

As part of the proposal, a new radio controlled system could be installed, which would allow the council to turn the lights back on if there was an emergency.

Before any decision is made, all parish councils across the borough will be consulted.

Councillor Richard Overton, from St Georges and Priorslee Parish Council, said they were in favour of the proposal.

He said: "It would only be main roads as far as we know.

"During the early hours there's not much traffic and it helps to save money in the long term.

"It will be a good thing as long as people understand it will not affect their street, it will only focus on the main roads."

Councillor Lawrence added: "Our consultation over the scheme continues and if the council decides to proceed - around £76,000 a year could be saved.

"If the proposals are given the go-ahead the scheme would begin to be implemented as soon as possible next financial year."

A decision on the proposal is due in early March.

By Jason Lavan