Brighter journeys ahead for Gloucestershire
The council have completed an LED replacement project after working in partnership with Milestone Infrastructure for the last nine years. The modernisation has resulted in a more reliable service, reducing lighting outages by 50%. It has also significantly reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions by up to 70%.
The work has been carried out with sensitivity to special architecture. For example, historic streetlights on Prestbury Road in Cheltenham have been restored with replica lanterns, almost exact copies of the originals, now enhanced with the efficiency and performance of modern LED technology. Once home to tramlines that operated for three decades until 1931, today, the road is recognised as a conservation area, retaining four of the original columns that previously carried tram power lines but are now used for street lighting. The columns have been repainted and repaired to return them to their former glory.
This summer after a competitive process the council has awarded a new £13.5m street lighting contract to Milestone, which began on 3 August 2024 and will continue for five and a half years.
Under the new contract, Milestone will be responsible for maintaining the 62,500 streetlights and 8,000 illuminated signs and bollards that are located on the highway network within Gloucestershire. Works will include reactive repairs in the event of lighting outages, maintenance works and street light replacements for inefficient equipment.
Throughout the contract both parties will work closely together to bring continued improvements and efficiencies to the service. Part of this will see the use of more carbon efficient materials and technologies that will support the council’s 2030 net zero emissions target.
Cllr Dom Morris, Cabinet Member for Highways and Flooding said: “It’s fantastic to see such big savings made. We’re using the latest technology to transform all our highways services and make sure they are delivered with maximum efficiency.
“And modern technology helps us preserve our county’s unique cultural heritage. The tramline columns represent a significant aspect of Cheltenham’s architectural past, I’m pleased the beautifully restored streetlights can now be enjoyed by our community for years to come.
“We look forward to working with Milestone over the next five and a half years to create smoother and brighter journeys for everyone in Gloucestershire.”
Simon Woodford, Business Director for Street Lighting at Milestone Infrastructure said: “I’m extremely proud to continue our partnership with Gloucestershire County Council to deliver this key service across the county. Our teams are ready 24/7, 365 days a year to attend faults and emergencies, keeping the county in light, reducing carbon emissions and protecting the communities in which we work.”