Local democracy

Agenda item

THE SMART STREET LIGHTING PROJECT UPDATE TO AREA COMMITTEE ON PROGRESS AND SCHEDULE

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “H”) has been produced to provide Members with a progress report of the Smart Street Lighting Project to date. It will also explain some of the processes and activities to come and provide details of the significant benefits expected to be realised to the District as a result of this project. 

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       Members acknowledge the progress of the Smart Street Lighting          project and welcome annual updates.

 

(2)       Members endorse the project as a positive investment across the         Bradford District bringing significant benefits overall.

 

(Allun Preece – 01274 434019)

 

 

Minutes:

The report of the Interim Strategic Director, Place (Document “H”) was presented to the Committee to provide Members with a progress report on the Smart Street Lighting Project.  The report also contained an explanation of some of the processes and activities still to be completed and the positive and significant benefits that the project would produce. 

 

Members were provided with Ward specific data to help them evaluate the benefit to their local areas.

 

The main aim of the project was to significantly reduce energy usage, maintenance costs and a reduction in the district’s carbon output.  The majority of the work would be carried out by an external contractor who would be carrying out surveys of all the existing street lighting assets within the District. Surveys would also assist the Council in identifying upgrade works to lighting assets.

 

The delivery contractor had also pledged to fulfil a number of targets which had social value (e.g. apprenticeships, local suppliers and Duke of Edinburgh enrolment for employees under 23 years and 6 months of age).  These would contribute benefits in the region of £3.8M.

 

It was intended to set up a webpage and designated email address for enquiries.  Lantern by lantern energy savings would be available to view and would also enable regular reporting of energy savings and carbon usage reductions.

 

Members were then given the opportunity to make comments and ask questions, the details of which, and the responses given, are as below:

 

·         A Member stated that complaints were being received that the scheme was taking longer and that lights were not being replaced

·      Officers advised that repairs were not part of the project and wiring for conversion takes longer.  In the appendices of the report provided to members were details of arranged replacements, which depended on the reason for removal

 

·         In terms of an Equality Impact Assessment, was gender taken into account i.e women being able to go out?

·      Officers advised that community safety formed part of their assessment but gender was not taken into account

 

·         Could it be included in assessment recommendations?

·      Officers advised that they would look at the impact and pointed to £45m funding for Communities Safety but this related more to footpaths but could be reviewed for potential impacts

 

·         Twenty three cut-downs had taken place in Clayton ward on the same walking route, when would the programme start?

·      Officers advised that the appendix to the report contained the outline timescale for installations to commence which was due in October 2021.   Members were encouraged to contact Officers if any areas were impacted disproportionately

 

·         Work was due to start in November 2021 in the ward, why were there so many emergency cut-downs?  Assurances had been given that these would be addressed.  How much of the project would benefit Bradford West?

·      Officers advised that specific details were not known at present and the cluster of cut down columns could be due to age or type.  The Council’s own officers were carrying out additional assessments following the contract survey

 

·         Who was making the decision on lighting?

·      Officers stated that replacements were being made for ‘life-expired’ assets and old for new replacements were being carried out but there was no additional lighting

 

·         Could the programme in Bradford West go ahead before Bradford South?

·      Officers advised that the project was being led by the contractor, starting in the south and working northwards.  If cut-downs were an issue, Officers would look into the matter to see if they could assist.  It was further clarified that only dangerous columns were being cut down

 

·         A Member also commented that claims could be made against the Council and the start date was not early enough.  Officers stated that there was a significant cost premium to pay if installations were not part of the planned programme

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That Members acknowledged the progress of the Smart Street Lighting project and welcome annual updates.

 

(2)     That Members endorsed the project as a positive investment      across the Bradford District bringing significant benefits      overall.

 

Action: Interim Strategic Director, Place

Supporting documents: