News Story

£620m for street lighting PFI

The Transport Minister, Sadiq Khan has announced that seven local authorities in England are to benefit from £620m of government funding for street lighting improvements.

The areas to benefit from the PFI funding are Durham, Stockton, Essex, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Kirklees and Warrington.

This will enable residents to upgrade their existing street lighting, helping to improve road safety in these areas as well as helping to reduce crime.

Khan said about the announcement; "Good quality street lighting means a reduction in crime and the fear of crime, less light pollution and safer night time environment for everyone. I am pleased that local authorities are using this Private Finance Initiative funding to deliver real benefits to their local residents.

"Partnerships like this provide vital investment in public services which can transform the experience of the travelling public whether they are walking, driving or riding."

The allocation of the PFI credits has been approved as follows;

• Durham and Stockton £125.5m
• Essex £163.9m
• Gloucestershire £80.2m
• Hertfordshire £139.8m
• Kirklees £65.8m
• Warrington £45.5m

The local authorities will now be asked to prepare an outline business case for a PFI street lighting scheme. Once this is approved by the Department and the Interdepartmental Project Review Group, the local authorities will start their procurement process.