Contact: Tony Stephens, ext 6938

1. Summary

1.1 The current Street Lighting Policy (SLP) was drafted in 1991 and, after ratification by Members in the same year, was published as a formal document in 1994. In 1999 the Best Value (BV) Pathfinder project indicated that a review of the policy was overdue, particularly as new legislation and proposed revised codes of practice were in the pipeline.

2. Best Value Pathfinder

2.1 The BV Pathfinder initiative brought together a comprehensive group concerned with street lighting, consisting of representatives from the Street Lighting Section, County and district planners, a local parish council, Hampshire Constabulary and the Hampshire Astronomical Group.

2.2 Since October 1999 extensive consultations have been undertaken with interested bodies whose comments have helped in the preparation of the revised SLP attached to this report.

3. Summary of Main Changes

3.1 The main changes are:

(i) Inclusion of the revised Corporate Strategy into the Main Principles.

(ii) Revision of area categories to bring them in line with proposed European designations (E1-E4).

(iii) Inclusion of policies relating to Crime and Disorder and Local Agenda 21.

(iv) Inclusion of revisions to documents BS5489 and BD26.

(v) Introduction of district council and estate lighting plans to coordinate long term planning.

(vi) Revisions to column specifications to promote sustainability.

(vii) Inclusion of policies on recycling and energy conservation/ remote monitoring.

(viii) Revisions to the section on Historic Areas to omit duplication within the overall document.

(ix) Inclusion of a specific policy for schools with flashing amber light warning signs.

(x) Inclusion of policies to improve works coordination between sections and departments. New section on the formal handover process to bring it in line with the new draft Quality Assurance procedure.

(xi) Revision of policy on energy purchase to move towards the purchase of energy from renewable sources.

(xii) Revisions to Appendices to bring references to legislation up-to-date.

(xiii) Revisions to Appendices 3 and 4 to clarify requirements and necessary restrictions with regards to attachments to columns and private lighting.

(xiv) Incorporation of Appendices 2 to 4 into the main document.

(xv) Deletion of sections relating to Motorways and Trunk Roads.

Recommendation

That the revised Street Lighting Policy be submitted to the Executive Member for Environment for approval.

6922/ALS