AN ENERGY-saving scheme to switch off South Gloucestershire’s street lights between midnight and 5am is to be extended to the district’s A roads in May.

The part-night lighting initiative was first introduced on the A4174 and many minor roads across the region and will now be rolled out to the A38, A432 and A420.

The local authority operates 29,500 streetlights and lit signs, which cost £1.25 million to run and generate 8,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.

Approximately 60 per cent will now be turned off at night cutting total carbon emissions and energy bills by a quarter.

Executive member for communities for South Gloucestershire Council James Hunt said: "In line with the carbon management plan, which secured unanimous and cross-party support in February, the council is committed to reducing its carbon emissions and this scheme will make an important contribution to that aim, with a reduction of up to 2,000 tonnes per year."

He added: "At the same time the scheme will also reduce our lighting-related energy costs. Streetlights account for around 15/20 per cent of the council’s energy costs and by moving to part night operation, we will be saving taxpayers up to £250,000 each year.

Rigorous criteria are used to assess whether a light can be safely switched to part night operation, with many excluded from the scheme such as those placed at junctions, roundabouts or in areas with above-average traffic accidents or crime rates.

"The safety of our residents and road users is paramount and we have worked closely with the emergency services, parish and town councils to identify lights which should remain lit throughout the night for safety reasons," Cllr Hunt added.

"As a result, about 40 per cent of lights will be unaffected by the scheme and we will continue to work with our partners to monitor for negative effects and make any necessary adjustments."

For more information on the scheme visit www.southglos.gov.uk/partnightFAQs For details on the implementation of part night lighting on minor roads, residents should contact their parish or town council directly.