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Council’s 750-year plan
PLANET-SAVING ‘eco-lanterns’ are to replace street lighting in a bid to save taxpayers thousands of pounds a year – by 2757.
It is claimed the Furyo lanterns, replacing Westminster’s 15,000 traditional lampposts, will save £20,000 a year.
The eco-lanterns are £1000 each and a tally of figures reveals a £15 million cost.
The council admits it will take 750 years before the payout is recuperated – arguing that the scheme is not just a money saving measure but to save energy as well.
The cost of installing the lamps will depend on the condition of the street lamps being replaced and could cost between £800 and £2,000 each, a council spokesman said.
The lamps had been piloted in Harrow Road and saved, on an average day, enough energy to light a house for two days.
They reflect more light, meaning low-wattage bulbs can be used.
Solar microchips are installed to detect levels of light and switch on the light when it gets dark.
According to the council, they helped cut carbon emissions in Harrow Road by 0.28 tonnes over three weeks.
Councillor Alan Bradley said: “Westminster Council is proud to be installing these new lanterns. By doing so, our main aim is to save energy and reduce our carbon footprint during a time when global warming is an increasing threat to our way of life.” |
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