Bradford Council is rolling out dimming devices on all new street lighting in the district to cut energy costs and slash its carbon dioxide emissions.

The technology has been piloted in parts of Odsal, Idle, East Bowling and Thornton following a secret test in Flockton Road, Bradford, two years ago, and the operation has been hailed a success.

Dimming equipment allows for a 25 per cent reduction in a street light’s power consumption. It costs £100 per column but the Council expects to achieve long-term savings.

Allun Preece, principal engineer in the Council’s Street Lighting Unit, said: “The trial dimming scheme has been a success with no complaints from residents and is considered for use on all new street lighting.

“By the end of the year there will be approximately 850 units using this system which along with measures such as LED lights in road signs, illuminated bollards and some street lights is expected to have a positive impact upon the Council’s energy reduction requirements and CO2 targets.”

Meanwhile, motorist service provider the AA says it fears more crashes and crime could occur in areas where thrifty local authorities are switching off street lights altogether.

Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “Lighting can improve safety for drivers, riders, and pedestrians and deter street crime. The public are in favour of street lighting as a way of improving road safety. Cyclists and pedestrians are more at risk on unlit streets.

“Local authorities should consider environmentally-friendly lighting, that can save them £46 a light, rather than putting us all in the dark. In terms of reducing CO2, AA research shows that local authorities will have more effect improving traffic flow than turning off the lights.”