Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Less light pollution and cheaper running costs?
Wiltshire County Council's cabinet has agreed to run several pilot schemes which, if successful, could be rolled out in all new developments across the county.

The scheme will involve the installation of a new type of street light which can be controlled centrally. This will give great flexibility to the way the street lighting in individual communities can be utilised.

With the global impact of burning fossil fuels widely recognised, this is one of many ways the county council is working to reduce carbon emissions. It will also have a positive impact on light pollution, and will save energy.

It is not currently known how much this could save, but last year the county council spent more than £1.25m to power its street lighting. With energy prices on the rise, it is estimated the summertime saving could potentially reach more than 50 percent for some lights.