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Street lighting

Street lighting is the lighting installed along roads, sidewalks, and other public spaces to enhance safety, increase visibility, and create a sense of security, especially at night. It plays a crucial role in traffic safety , crime prevention , and improving the overall public experience .

Goals of street lighting:

  • Improving visibility : Good street lighting makes it easier for road users (such as motorists, cyclists and pedestrians) to see obstacles and react to changing conditions.
  • Road Safety : Lighting helps reduce traffic accidents by enabling drivers to better see other vehicles, traffic signs, pedestrians, and hazards.
  • Sense of safety : Well-lit streets can reduce the risk of crime by discouraging unwanted behavior and providing a sense of safety to residents and visitors.
  • Aesthetic aspect : Street lighting can also fulfil an aesthetic function, for example by improving the appearance of cities, parks or certain buildings.

Types of street lighting:

  1. LED street lighting:

    • Energy-efficient : LED lights are the most energy-efficient option for street lighting. They consume much less energy than, for example, sodium or halogen lamps , thus reducing long-term costs.
    • Longer lifespan : LED lights last much longer than traditional street lights, meaning they need to be replaced less often.
    • Instant light output : LED lamps provide full light immediately without warm-up time.
    • Adjustable Color Temperatures : LEDs can be adjusted to different color temperatures, from cool white (for bright light) to warm white (for a softer look).

  2. High pressure sodium (HPS) street lighting:

    • Energy Efficient : While HPS lamps are less efficient than LEDs, they still provide good light output for the cost.
    • Yellow-orange light : HPS lamps primarily emit a reddish-yellow light, often associated with street lighting. However, they can display colors inaccurately, which can be a drawback.
    • Good performance in bad weather : HPS lamps are resistant to weather conditions, such as fog or rain, because they illuminate the street well with diffused light.

  3. Metal halide street lighting (MH):

    • Blue-white light : MH lamps produce bright, white light and offer better color rendering than HPS lamps, which can be useful for certain applications where color recognition is important (for example, in certain industrial environments).
    • Higher energy consumption : They consume more energy than HPS and LED lamps, but provide powerful lighting.
    • Short lifespan : Metal halide lamps generally last a shorter time than HPS or LED lamps.

  4. Fairy lights or decorative lighting:

    • Sometimes street lighting is combined with decorative elements , especially in city centres, at festivals or events, to enhance the atmosphere and increase the attractiveness of public spaces.

Features of good street lighting:

  1. Correct light intensity : The lighting must be sufficient to properly illuminate the street, sidewalk and any crossings, without causing unnecessary light in nearby homes or areas (light pollution).
  2. Long-Term Reliability : Street lights need to be able to withstand the elements such as rain , wind , frost and temperature fluctuations , which means the fixture must be durable and well-sealed.
  3. Energy Efficiency : Since street lights are often on continuously, energy-efficient bulbs (such as LED) are important to reduce costs and limit energy consumption.
  4. Automatic control : Modern street lights can be switched on and off automatically using sensors, such as light meters that measure ambient temperature and light levels, so that the lights only come on when it gets dark.

Innovations in street lighting:

  • Smart street lighting : Modern street lighting uses sensors and connectivity to optimize lighting. This can reduce streetlight use when there's no traffic or pedestrians, or adjust lighting based on the time of day or ambient light.
  • Solar Power : Solar-powered street lights use solar panels to power the lights, which can be especially useful in areas with plenty of sunlight and where energy costs need to be kept low.

Applications of street lighting:

  • Roads and Highways : This is the most common application for street lighting, where sufficient light is essential for both traffic and safety.
  • Urban and residential areas : In cities and residential areas, street lighting helps provide safety for pedestrians and creates a pleasant atmosphere at night.
  • Parks and Recreational Areas : Lighting in parks helps people walk safely at night and ensures that these areas do not feel unsafe.
  • Cycle paths : Cycle paths are increasingly being equipped with street lighting to improve the safety of cyclists.

Benefits of good street lighting:

  • Improved safety for both pedestrians and motorists .
  • Increased visibility for public safety .
  • Reducing crime by creating well-lit public spaces.
  • Aesthetic value : Good street lighting can also contribute to the appearance of a town or village, which can help with tourism and local economies.