A twelve-month trial in East Riding sees over 600 street lights switched off, drawing mixed reactions from residents as the council aims to reduce carbon emissions.
In a significant move aimed at reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, more than 600 street lights have been switched off in East Riding, England, as part of a 12-month trial project. The initiative, which began on 4 April, focuses on major routes where street lighting has been deemed unnecessary for safety, utilising new artificial intelligence technologies to monitor traffic conditions.
The areas affected include stretches of the A164 from the Humber Bridge to Willerby and from Cottingham to Skidby, as well as on the A1079 from Dunswell Roundabout to Ennerdale Bridge. The council has stated that they will closely monitor the behaviours of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians during the trial period to ensure safety without traditional overhead lighting.
Karl Rourke, the service manager for street lighting at the council, commented on the pioneering nature of the project, saying, “The East Riding is at the forefront of this innovative project which could lead to a massive reduction in carbon and energy on UK roads.” He emphasised that the region can safely turn off certain street lights, thanks to the development of an advanced artificial intelligence system that tracks driver behaviours at critical points along these routes.
Despite the optimistic outlook from the council, local residents have voiced mixed reactions about the decision to switch off street lights. One local stated that the road reflectors installed between the Humber Bridge and Willerby are sufficient, suggesting a shift towards solar-powered or energy-efficient LED lights instead. This individual also proposed testing motion sensor lights that would dim when there is no movement detected for extended periods.
Another resident questioned the rationale behind having street lights initially, hinting at safety concerns associated with reduced visibility at night. The sentiment for preserving safety on roads was echoed in their suggestion that solar panels could be integrated into existing lamp posts to maintain lighting while also contributing to carbon reduction.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential impact on wildlife. A community member expressed apprehension that turning off the lights might increase the risk of roadkill, particularly for nocturnal animals like hedgehogs, which tend to avoid bright lights. While acknowledging the importance of cutting carbon emissions, the individual questioned whether this method is the most effective approach.
As the trial progresses, the council remains committed to evaluating the impacts of this ambitious project, which aims not only to conserve energy but also to innovate in road safety measures.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://highways-news.com/street-lights-switched-off-along-two-east-riding-roads-as-part-of-trial-to-cut-carbon/ – This article explains the street light switch-off trial in East Riding, including the areas affected and the role of artificial intelligence in monitoring safety.
- https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/cars/street-lights-switched-off-yorkshire-ai-cameras – It reports on the removal of hundreds of street lights as part of a carbon reduction initiative, highlighting the use of AI technology for safety monitoring.
- https://www.highwaysmagazine.co.uk/Live-Labs-2-East-Riding-gets-ready-for-the-big-switch-off/14441 – This article further details the project’s scope, including the trial duration and the innovative technologies employed to ensure safety without traditional street lighting.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This is the original source of the article. However, since it does not provide specific online verification, it’s more about the context.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references a recent trial that began on 4 April, suggesting current and relevant information. However, without a specified publication date, it’s difficult to confirm absolute freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
A quote from Karl Rourke is included. Without a prior online reference, it may be an original quote, though the lack of additional context limits verification.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Birmingham Mail, a generally reliable source for local news.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about a street light trial and its goals are plausible, given the context of energy conservation and AI technology. However, the mixed community reactions and various concerns indicate a balanced discussion.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be fresh, involving a recent trial. Quotes lack prior references but come from a named individual. The source is reliable, and the plausibility checks indicate a well-rounded discussion of a current issue. Overall, the narrative presents credible information.
