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'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (7th Feb 2014 - 09:16:55) Apparently we are to have the new bright 'white' street lamps in Liphook. I'm sure they are more environmentally friendly in terms of electricity consumption but surely not in terms of excess lighting. Our road is already very well lit and extra bright street lamps will make it unreasonably light at night time. I understand some may feel the street lighting in their road is insufficient and that needs addressing, but if not needed why go to the expense of changing them all? Apparently these lights have a smaller 'spread' but a colleague who has just had these installed in his area says this is not apparent, it just seems like daylight at night-time. It seems there is no way this can be stopped but I can think of far better ways for the Council to waste our money rather than through an unnecessary addition to light pollution which is becoming an increasing issue in the UK. I foresee a good market for blackout curtains! The new lights are supposed to be remotely dimmable, so we may be able to say "turn them down a bit". But some people have been concerned about lower light levels as well - read www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/....

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (7th Feb 2014 - 09:43:28) I hear these lights are ugly and very bright (which appears to be borne out by the article). If they can be dimmed that is good new - but I can imagine it would be a battle to get that done. Let's hope they are not like the 'daylight' lights on Liphook station - arguably OK for a railway station, but we wouldn't want them on every street.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Keith (7th Feb 2014 - 12:33:34) Whether they are ugly or not is a matter of personal perception - they certainly look different but like many things I suspect they look fine once you forget what the old ones looked like. There is a different, more conventional, appearance lamp for use in conservation areas. The lamps are being replaced on a 1 for 1 basis so there will be no extra lights The new lights do have a much 'whiter' light than the current lights but are much more energy efficient, so the county's electricity bill (which indirectly we all pay for) will be significantly lower. The lights are more focused, so although the light may be brighter, little light escapes to the rear of the light or above the light, so reducing light pollution of the night sky. Some drivers in areas where they are already installed have complained that they direct too much light onto the pavement rather than the road, but it should be remembered that other than at junctions, street lights are provided predominantly for the safety of pedestrians rather than drivers. The new lights are remotely dimmable as the Editor has said, and my understanding from having attended a HCC seminar a year or so ago is that this will be decided on a road by road basis, depending on traffic levels, level of anti-social behaviour etc.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (7th Feb 2014 - 13:48:54) I'm afraid I don't subscribe to the "its ugly but you will get used to it" theory. Obviously they're not particularly attractive otherwise why different posts for conservation areas? It is interesting that conservation areas can have conventional lamp posts - I would like my road to look nice too! -Its very quiet and a small cul-de-sac - hardly a major highway. - No good asking the council for the more 'conventional' lamps I suppose? It's a good thing that they release less light pollution into the night sky and cut costs, (what's the payback period I wonder?) but my colleague whom I mentioned says they look as though they "need lampshades". Anyway, if they can be dimmed on a road by road basis that is positive.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Brenda (7th Feb 2014 - 15:59:26) We have this 'new street lighting' in our area and most of us in our cul-de-sac had the same concerns voiced here in this thread! Within less than a week of the works being completed the lights were dimmed down and most residents agree that the street lighting here is greatly improved.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (7th Feb 2014 - 16:52:28) Thanks Brenda, that is very encouraging!

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Chris (8th Feb 2014 - 06:51:20) who do we contact to have a street lamp dimmed down?

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Sarah (8th Feb 2014 - 08:57:31) Any change is challenging for some, but in my experience (when it happened in Surrey) was pretty positive and it will save money (I'm sure there would be moans if the council tax went up lots). Also it means that the county know when a light is out and can target resources for replacement rather than waiting for the public to report (which often doesn't happen although they are happy to moan on websites!) If I recall when they are first installed they maybe on all the time for testing, and if they are pointed in the wrong direction give Hampshire a call (or contact via their website) and let them know. In Surrey whilst the lights were replaced 1:1, the new light was often on a new column and located adjacent to the existing which was eventually removed. S

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (9th Feb 2014 - 14:29:48) Sarah I am in no way adverse to change. However there are some who think any change must be for the better and do anything to be seen not to "make a fuss". I had heard that these lights were bright and intrusive and it seems the general opinion is that they are. It is good news that they use less power (although as I said I wonder how long it takes for you actually to get your money back). Also I query whether the standard issue lights, which are designed for urban areas in general, will look OK in rural areas. There is obviously an issue otherwise there would not be a different lampost for conservation areas.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Sarah (9th Feb 2014 - 17:32:56) Liz, Why not pop up to surrey to take a look... Not having seeng he Hampshire example I can't say what the difference will be, but in Surrey the posts weren't significantly more urban than what was already there. The reason why they will have a different post in the conservation area, tends to be (but not always) because the CA's often have heritage style posts already. In some cases lamp posts can also be listed (take for example Castle Street in Farnham) and they should not be removed. Additionally there is a basic supposition to ensure that the the character of CA's are preserved or enhanced. I hope this helps

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - jamesp (10th Feb 2014 - 16:32:34) I'm an ex-Liphook resident who now lives in Alresford where we've just had our streetlights replaced. The new ones are definitely an improvement as they focus the light where it is needed. Light pollution has been reduced and we get a better view of the stars now. I actually think that the white light makes them look more old fashioned than the lights they replaced.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (10th Feb 2014 - 16:35:46) Thanks for that Sarah. Do they have the white lights in Haslemere High Street? If they do I will have to put my hand up and say I didn't notice any difference when I was there recently- although it is a town centre I suppose!

STREET LIGHTING - Karen Wilson (14th Feb 2014 - 17:00:04) The new street lighting has started and my bedroom and living room look like Blackpool illuminations - not impressed.com. They should have an automatic dimmer on them from 9.30 onwards if I wanted to sleep with the lights on I would do. Please do something about this council.

Re: STREET LIGHTING - Mark (14th Feb 2014 - 17:02:54) Hi Karen, If you contact SSE they'll fit a shield to the light, I've had this done already and it did the job. See this on their FAQ: Will the lights shine in my windows? The majority of modern lanterns have optical controls designed to limit or counteract intrusion into properties. On occasions where a light shield is felt necessary, you can request one by emailing hampshirepfi@ssecontracting.com. For street lights that have been replaced as part of the programme there will be no charge to fit a light shield. However, if the street light in question is older and not part of the maintenance and replacement programme, a charge will be incurred.

Re: STREET LIGHTING - Karen Wilson (22nd Feb 2014 - 11:29:49) Thank you for your advice I have contacted them. Regards

Re: STREET LIGHTING - irene (22nd Feb 2014 - 13:26:18) just had new light installed outside my bedroom on the plus side I don't need to put light on when going to bed on down side cant sleep its well lit all night another plus is it could save me money on my bill another down side is with lack of sleep im not my best the next morning have contacted them

Re: STREET LIGHTING - liz (24th Feb 2014 - 10:23:37) I expressed concerns about these lights on a previous thread. A new light has been installed opposite us and, as someone has mentioned, the only benefit is that we can save on our own electricity bills! Difficult for sleeping though when you can't turn the light 'off'. Apparently a shade is to be installed fairly quicky which is great but when we asked the contractors about possible dimming we were told they didn't know anything about that.

Re: STREET LIGHTING - Sarah (24th Feb 2014 - 13:26:04) We too have had the lights installed, and the installation was really well handled causing minimum distruption to us. The light is bright and we have contacted HCC to get a guard fitted which will happen in the next 10 days (which is great). From my previous experience they don't get dimmed for the first couple of weeks (not sure why), but it might be different here - Liz, why don't you contact HCC - I've been dealing with Nikki who has been incredibly helpful with our comments and concerns. As an aside if the pavement is marked 1 4 1 that means the post will be replaced in the same position. Thanks Sarah

Re: STREET LIGHTING - liz (24th Feb 2014 - 14:15:12) Thanks Sarah. I am going to see how effective the shield is before wingeing further! Also, not all the lights in our road have been replaced yet so need to see the overall effect and what the neighbours think. (About the same as us so far!)

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Rob (24th Feb 2014 - 15:29:21) Hi all - interesting what people think about the new lights. I am personally fascinated as to how they will dim. They look to be a fluorescent fitting but I have requested full specification from SSE via HCC. I will have a good read of the specifications and let you know what I think. Dimming fluorescent is normally quite a challenge.... Where I live, the dreadful Sox Lanterns are going so anything is an improvement. A great shame HCC aren't investing in LED... just a thought... Anyway, I will keep you posted on the specifications if I ever receive them. See this PDF brochure lightsoninhampshire.co.uk/... for more information. But it does not appear to say what technology is in use. However, this PDF document from SSE refers to LED's being installed in Hampshire www.ssecontracting.com/... Note - I have merged the 2 threads about these new street lights.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - tony (24th Feb 2014 - 19:50:00) There will always be those who like the changes and those who don't. It's a personal perspective. I think they're OK. Brighter and more economical, so that's two ticks for me. Isn't that what street lights are there for, to make the streets safer and light them up? Seriously, if you want a darker bedroom just buy a blackout liner for your curtains, best of both worlds!

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Sarah (24th Feb 2014 - 22:03:08) Liz, re your post 10 Feb about Haslemere high street - yes the post will be replaced if over 15 years old and will have the white light. I can't remember if they are getting a 'special' post as it's in a conservation area. In surrey the Conservation areas are being done last (Godalming is currently happening) as there were some initial 'issues' which have been resolved. The only old posts in Waverley that I know aren't changing are the listed lamp posts on Castle Street.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (25th Feb 2014 - 08:33:32) Tony Some good points but as you say they are street lights - so not also meant to light up my garden and bedrooms - with a daylight type light. Must be a waste of energy. I could buy blackout curtains but as it's not wartime hopefully that will not be necessary! Also, I quite like to know when it is really daylight outside. Anyway it seems there is a problem with these lights as shields are being supplied.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Donna (25th Feb 2014 - 11:29:34) I wonder just how keen Tony would be on these lights if his lounge, hallway and bedroom was flood lit!! Whilst I can see the positives for the new lighting, all I'm asking is that a shield is added to divert the light from my house!! You will spot me in Liphook, I'm the one wandering around with suitcases as bags under my eyes....... not a good look!! Hi Donna, as previously mentioned an email to hampshirepfi@ssecontracting.com giving the exact location of the lamp post will get a shield sorted for you.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Tom Robinson (25th Feb 2014 - 11:58:12) We have had these street lamps installed in our area for around 3-4 months. Whilst I grew up in Liphook, I now live on the outskirts of Saddleworth Moor. I replied to this thread because the comments here are very similar to those left by locals in my area on our message board before the installation took place. The reality is that the lights work very well, and are an improvement - especially in remote, rural areas, and although they took a week or so to get used to, you'll soon wonder what the fuss was about in the first place.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (25th Feb 2014 - 12:36:05) Perhaps we are unfortunate that the light is right outside our house and not shielded by any hedges or trees as it is on the opposite side of our very narrow road, effectively right opposite the middle of our gateway. The light shines into the bedrooms giving a very good impression of daylight. (You can read by it!). I fortunately don't (or didn't) have any problems sleeping but I keep waking up thinking I have overslept. I have no objection to the street being lit as it always has been, but there is no reason it should spread intrusively into nearby gardens and houses. Fortunately shields are being supplied so hopefully we will keep the light in the right place and resolve the problem. Of course, if they had been designed properly in the first place......

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Darren Ellis (25th Feb 2014 - 17:23:10) Last night was the first night we had our new street lights working and have to say we're very pleased. We have a light right outside our house and the old "Orange " light was very intrusive and all the rooms to the front of the house use to have an eerie orange glow all night. The new lights are great, the light appears to be directed onto the road and not spread in a 360 degree arc lighting everywhere except the road like the old ones. The new lights aren't lighting up the inside of our house much at all, even before any "shields" are fitted (if we wanted them). We're sorry that not everyone seems to be as happy as us but as far as we're concerned they are a 100% improvement over the old lights and if they are cheaper to run then all the better.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Jay W (25th Feb 2014 - 21:00:07) They're great for night time dog walking - no need to carry a torch so you can see where you need to pick up - so NO excuses for anyone now (in my dreams).

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (26th Feb 2014 - 08:40:14) Darren I bet the light outside your house is on your side of the road and hence faces away from your house. They are designed to send less light behind them and upwards. .. But it's tough if you are opposite them on a narrow road!

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Glad (26th Feb 2014 - 12:56:15) I have to say having walked through the village last night that I found the new lights quite acceptable, and yes I do have one near to my house.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - maria (26th Feb 2014 - 13:19:07) i have one exactly opposite my house and i love it. it shines on my car which makes it a safer place to park and it reminds me of a full moon. no moans from me!

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (26th Feb 2014 - 15:13:29) Maria I don't mind the light shining on my car - just not straight into my bedroom window. (Actually the car is in the garage which only has one small window - so I might move in with it!)

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Darren Ellis (26th Feb 2014 - 17:04:27) Hi Liz Yes the light is outside our house on our side of the road. Sorry if you're not happy with your light but your first port of call should be to contact SSE, as pointed out above, and hopefully they will check it out for you and install a shield. I imagine there will always be winners and losers in any change but I just wanted to put another point of view that not everyone is upset with the change, in fact we're extremely happy with it. Good luck with getting your problem sorted.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Michael Farrant (26th Feb 2014 - 17:53:11) I think the new lights are good. We used to live in Hammer, the lights used to be turned off at around 11:30pm. It must of saved the council a lot of money, there was never anyone walking about. Perhaps East Hants could look into something like that.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Mike G (27th Feb 2014 - 09:56:49) I don't have a problem with the new lights themselves, I think they are a big improvement. I am more concerned with the way they were funded. I notice the LED lighting (which is far more energy efficient) was considered but rejected as it was not yet proven in street lighting. Fair enough but these lights are being replaced by SSE using a 25yr PFI arrangement. So we are lumbered with an outgoing technology and the associated energy bills for the next 25 years. If each light costs around £1250 over the course of the contract (in most cases only the lantern was replaced, not the post) it sounds like very bad value for (our) money anyway and a fine way for SSE to dispose of their old rope. I think most posts have actually been replaced, but I'm not sure about the LED / CFL units. The SSE document I previously linked to only refers to LED lanterns.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (27th Feb 2014 - 13:57:54) Hi Darren We contacted the contractors straight away and were told a shield would be fitted in 2-5 days. After a week we contacted them again and were told the shield couldn't be fitted yet as the light was 'not recorded as operational'. So much for their systems! Anyway today they have come and fitted the shield... so fingers crossed!

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Rob (1st Mar 2014 - 14:52:53) Hi all. I mentioned earlier that I would get the specifications and functionality of the fittings. This is what I know so far thanks to a response left on my answerphone. I still have many questions for SSE and I will update you when I have all the facts. The light source is fluorescent using 36watt PLL. When switched on they are dimmed by 25%. The plan is that the fittings will be further reduced to 50% through the night. I don't know if the dimming process has started yet... that's one of my questions for SSE. I read one earlier comment that LED lighting is unproven technology in street lighting. I guess the capital costs were too high for our village bearing in mind this is PFI. I argue LED is more than ready for street lighting and it is disappointing we haven't got it this time round. When I eventually get the specs I will update you. Bye for now. Rob

Re: \'White\' (very bright) street lighting - Darren Ellis (1st Mar 2014 - 18:02:12) Liz, After the issues you had with your new street light it would be nice to know how it is now with the shield fitted? Can you give us an update as it would be beneficial for all to know. Many thanks.

Re: \'White\' (very bright) street lighting - NickO (2nd Mar 2014 - 21:50:09) It\'s like dancing in moonlight every night I our cul-de-sac .. Dimmer switch LOL

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (3rd Mar 2014 - 08:35:40) The shade has made a considerable difference - probably now now not much brighter than the orange lights. However as it's a 'daylight' light it is more intrusive so let's hope the lights can be dimmed as well.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (3rd Mar 2014 - 13:16:36) Why change the lights at all if only to fluorescent? Maybe a bit cheaper to run but why not wait until the LED lamps are satisfactory (if they are not already)? Seems like a backwards rather than a forwards step to me, not to mention lack of long term planning.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Dave L (31st Mar 2014 - 12:40:45) I note in some of the replies above that no additional lights were to be installed, strangely there are a number of new lamps in the London Road near to Radford Park, the area now looks positively radioactive in its orange glow, the dawn chorus now starts at 2-3am and they have even illuminated a bus stop that has not had a bus even slow down at for at least ten years!.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - dawn (1st Apr 2014 - 00:03:09) In Passfield some of the lamps have been done and some old ones remain. (I don't know why?) Until now I have never noticed how ineffective the old yellow lamps were - but when you compare them the difference is quite remarkable. No upwards pollution and the light reaches all the way down to the pavement without the eerie yellow glow that the old ones give off.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (1st Apr 2014 - 09:52:45) All the way down to the pavement and a flourescent glow all the way into your house if you are unlucky enough to live opposite one. Anyway, some of them in our road have stopped working which is just great news! - The remaining lights are quite sufficent. Unfortunately the one near me is still operational but I keep hoping....!

Re: White (very bright) street lighting - Mark (1st Apr 2014 - 09:55:53) Liz - have you reported to SSE and had them fit a shield in that case? ;-)

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - liz (1st Apr 2014 - 13:35:50) We have had a shield fitted thanks Mark - it is a lot better but still quite bright. I am keeping quiet while the lamps further down the road aren't working (!) but when back to normal I'll see if these lamps can be turned down. The LED ones can I know, but as we've got the low-tech cheap flourescent ones (apparently) I'm not sure whether they can be.

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Mark (1st Apr 2014 - 13:38:46) Worth speaking to SSE as they can remotely dim the light, and from my experience with them are very approachable to deal with these kind of issues. Mark

Re: 'White' (very bright) street lighting - Rob (17th Apr 2014 - 16:55:18) Great website everyone should visit. www.mayflowercontrol.com These are the contractors who in six months time will be commissioning the lighting control or dimming. It is a brilliant system but still a shame its not LED. I am looking forward to seeing this system in action!! Its been a long time since I got this excited about street lights.

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