Street lighting – frequently asked questions

Who to contact

Telephone: 0151 443 3100

1. Why are the street lights being replaced?

A large proportion of Knowsley’s street lights and traffic signs are outdated and do not conform to current standards. The project will ensure that all Knowsley’s street lights are brought up to modern standards.

2. What benefits will the project bring to my area?

The new lighting will be state-of-the-art and will include the ability to vary the level of lighting, and will reduce CO2 emissions across the borough. Decisions on the level of lighting will be taken on the basis of the needs of each area.

More intense light levels on some roads could assist in the reduction of crime and night-time traffic accidents, and will also make CCTV images clearer, improve visibility, and help to ensure that pedestrians, cyclists and drivers feel safer.

Such benefits may also encourage more people to visit the borough during the evening.

The new lighting will also help to automatically identify faults.

In addition, work will also be undertaken along the M62 motorway to replace 47 high-mast lights.

3. When will work start?

Work will commence on 1 August 2011. The first four years of the contact will see approximately 70% of street lights and 80% of traffic signs being replaced. After this time, the remainder of the 25-year contract will be ongoing maintenance.
We will be working in a different area every three months, ensuring the programme is delivered in a phased manner, causing the least possible disruption to our residents. See when work is due to start in your area.

4. What improvements will be happening in my street?

All street lights in the borough have been assessed. Generally, if you have had your street lights replaced in the last 10 years, it will probably meet current standards so will not be replaced. However, the lantern at the top of the light may need to be replaced with a more modern, energy efficient bulb. Older street lights will be fully replaced.

5. Who will be carrying out the work?

Tay Valley Lighting (TVL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), will be delivering the improvements to street lighting, working in partnership with Knowsley Council. TVL offered the best service and value for money. They also have extensive experience in this sector.

6. Are local people being consulted?

Yes – prior to any work being carried out, we will arrange a public event, where local people can find out more about the project. Dates and times for these events will be promoted on our website, community messaging, posters in your area and local media.

In addition, you will receive an information leaflet and a survey prior to any work being carried out for you to complete and return freepost, so we can obtain your views.

Once the work has been completed in your area, we will ask you for your feedback on how satisfied you are with the work that has been carried out.

7. Will there be disruption whilst the work is being carried out?

We will endeavour to keep any disruption to a minimum and ensure that your area remains safe whilst the work is being carried out. Parking in your road may be disrupted for a short period, but you will receive advance notice if this will be necessary. If you have any specific access or mobility issues, please speak to an engineer carrying out the work.
Occasionally, we may need to use temporary traffic lights to control traffic flow on narrow or busy roads.

Services such as bin collections will continue as normal - if we need to move your bin to a single collection point, we will return it to your home once emptied.

We will carry out work in residential areas from Monday to Friday, between 8am and approximately 6pm.

8. What will happen to the old street lights?

We will remove and recycle any old concrete or steel street lights . This will be done once the new street lights are in working order.

9. How do I report a faulty light?

You can report a fault through our website or by calling the Street Lighting team on 0151 443 3100.

10. Where can I find more information on the project?

See the schedule of works, information regarding the consultation process and where consultation events will take place.

Alternatively, call 0151 443 3100 where a member of our team will be happy to help.