Cambridgeshire
Street Lighting PFI
Councillors’ information pack
1
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Contents
03
Project
overview
10
Drawings
Introduction 4
The background 4
What are the benefits? 5
The work 6
Lighting levels 7
Column removals 7
Support 7
Consultation and engagement 7
Understanding the information 11
▪ Step 1: Accessing the website 11
▪ Step 2: Selecting the drawings 11
▪ Step 3: Viewing the drawings 11
▪ Step 4: Understanding the drawings 12
▪ Step 5: Providing feedback 12
Drawing explanations 19
Street lighting
upgrade process
▪ The key 13
▪ Explanation to removals/others/electrical works symbols 14
▪ Explanation to column/lantern symbols 15
▪ Explanation of cut lines 17
Pre-installation 20
▪ Initial planning 20
▪ Site survey and pre-design information 20
▪ Design 21
Installation 22
Marking out 22
Column install 23
Lantern install 23
Excavation works 23
Electrical connections 24
Removing the old street lights 24
Reinstatement 25
Quality control 25
Independent certification 25
Completion 25
Site safety 26
27
2
Frequently asked
questions
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Cambridgeshire
Street Lighting PFI
Project overview
3
We maintain over
56,000 street lights
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Project overview
Introduction
This information pack has been issued to give you as members and local councillors, a
greater awareness of the works which will be carried out in your area. We hope that by
reading this pack you will gain a better understanding of the work processes that will be
undertaken, what you need to do, and who to contact for assistance if required.
It is essential to Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP) and Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) that Parish/Town Councils
and interested residents fully understand the changes that are being proposed in their areas. It is also important to understand
there will be minor disruption whilst work is undertaken and most importantly that the necessary works are completed in order
to achieve the project objectives and associated benefits to the County.
Each stage of the project has been laid out in this document to help you understand exactly what will be happening and why.
If you feel that you require any additional information, guidance or to arrange a meeting to run through the information in this
pack please feel free to contact:
Keeley Russell from Balfour Beatty
keeley.russell@bblivingplaces.com
or Cambridgeshire County Council
street.lighting@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
who will be happy to help you.
We hope that by working together we can help yourselves and therefore the residents in your area to understand the
processes and the importance of the works that we will be completing over the coming years.
We look forward to improving the lighting in your area soon.
4
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Project overview
The background
As with many Authorities, Cambridgeshire County Council was faced
with the problem of an aged and inefficient lighting stock. Many of the
old street lighting columns in Cambridgeshire were nearing the end
of their life, and would soon present a hazard both structurally and
electrically if not replaced. Outdated materials such as concrete,
cast iron, and aluminium are prevalent throughout the County.
The orange light provided by the majority of the old street lights is inefficient, offers poor light
control and will soon be obsolete. The inefficiency of the existing lights places a huge burden on
Council budgets with the cost of energy also rising year after year.
Under the previous lighting agreement these inefficient lights were designed to run to extinction,
meaning they were allowed to completely burn out before finally being replaced. This meant that
old lights are frequently out throughout the County, resulting in a perception of poor lighting to
residents and resulting in a very inefficient system of travelling throughout the County sporadically
changing lights.
Cambridgeshire County Council acknowledged that intervention in the lighting asset was required
but faced a huge financial challenger to carry out improvements on this scale.
Around this time central government funding in the form of PFI (Private Finance Initiative)
Credits became available and this was a key opportunity for the Authority. The CCC project team
succeeded despite stiff competition from other Authorities to secure the credits and funding to
address the challenges it faced.
In July 2011, the 25 year PFI contract commenced with Balfour Beatty appointed to work
in partnership with CCC to undertake the replacement and maintenance works throughout
the County. The first phase of the project is the replacement and upgrading of the failing columns
and inefficient lighting which will be completed over a five year Core Investment Programme
(CIP). This will result in a safer, innovative, efficient lighting stock with improved performance
standards.
As part of the central government funding in the form of PFI Credits the County Council are
required to make a reduction of 10% of the street lighting assets across the County. As traffic
routes are being completely redesigned (and the savings from redesign are already factored into
the contract) the columns for removal can only be taken from residential roads. This means that
some residential roads may see several columns being removed and not replaced. However,
we anticipate that by using a combination of more efficient lighting and good design there will be
minimal impact in the area.
5
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Project overview
What are the benefits?
As an innovative, forward thinking County, the partnership has procured a solution that will
drastically reduce the energy used and CO2 produced, and will leave the Council with a legacy
of reduced running costs and a future proofed asset. The benefits to the Authority, residents
and stakeholders are enormous and are listed below:
The improvements will reduce energy consumption
by approximately 46%.
This equates to approximately 8.5 million kWhrs a year! That’s enough to power
1,454 average UK homes for a whole year and at today ’s energy prices that will
save in the region of £850,000, meaning that much needed funds can be released
to other service areas.
Introducing more efficient white lights in residential areas
which have a better colour rendering ability
Meaning that colours can be defined and facial recognition improved.
Conversion of every bollard in the County to solar powered
or high reflective bollards
Therefore avoiding a need for a mains supply and reducing energy costs.
The Central Management System (CMS) will allow lighting
and switching levels to be changed remotely.
This will allow the asset to be adapted to reflect future changes in standards,
address alterations to local infrastructure, rises in energy charges and revised
carbon emission targets. The CMS will also bring a reduction in the need for night
time scouting.
Improved performance and response times to faults
and emergencies
A reduction in burning hours and dimming of lights when
traffic flow and pedestrian footfall has reduced
Low wattage LED sign lights, and the de-illumination
of signs where possible
6
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Project overview
The work
In order to realise the huge benefits, the area in which the work is being carried out will
experience some disruption. This will be in the form of excavations, barriers on site, and the
presence of personnel and associated plant/equipment.
It must be remembered that we will be upgrading approximately 56,000 units over a five year period, therefore the works will
be noticeable throughout the County. A detailed description of what’s involved and what to expect when the work is carried out
is covered later in this document.
The equipment types which will be used throughout the PFI have been identified, agreed and set out within the contract.
These will be standardised throughout the County to ensure uniformity and simplify maintenance.
The table below identifies the type of lighting existing in the County and the changes that will be made to the street lights.
TYPE OF COLUMN
DESCRIPTION
CHANGE
‘Deemed to Comply’ columns
These are columns that have been identified as
being structurally capable of lasting the full length
of the contract
The column will remain but the lantern will
be replaced with a new white light
‘Non-Deemed to Comply’ columns
These are nearing or achieved life expiry and
will be replaced during the Core Investment
Programme
These will be replaced with new columns.
The new columns are likely to be slightly
taller than the previous ones in residential
roads and will be fitted with a new white light
Parish/Town Council owned
columns
Columns that are owned and maintained by the
Parish or Town Council
There will be no change to these columns
unless by special request charged to the
Parish and Town Councils
Columns of special interest
Some historic columns are of special interest and
have particular requirements under the contract
This varies depending on the specifics of the
contract
A programme of work has been produced for the Core Investment Programme (CIP) with every division in the County covered.
There are two categories for the road types, identified as either traffic routes or residential areas. The table below describes
the approach for each of the types of road.
TYPE OF ROAD
APPROACH
Traffic route
Traffic routes will be completely redesigned to achieve a lighting class set out in the standards.
‘Deemed to Comply’ columns will remain where possible and absorbed into the new designs,
however, most columns will be replaced. The location of many columns are also likely to change
Residential roads
Columns in most residential roads will be replaced on a one-for-one basis (i.e. close to the existing
column) but typically located at the back of the footpath. ‘Deemed to Comply’ columns will remain
but ‘Non-Deemed to Comply’ will be replaced with new columns. As part of the PF I funding, 10%
of columns will be removed and not replaced. These removals need to be primarily taken from
residential roads. In certain residential roads the lighting will be redesigned to achieve a particular
level in line with the standards
7
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Project overview
Lighting levels
Column removals
The lighting levels for each street have
been set out in the contract.
The decisions on which columns are
removed from a street are based on a policy
approved by the County Council and utilise
technical skills and knowledge to minimise
the impact on the street as a whole.
Throughout the Core Investment Programme the current
orange lanterns in residential areas will be replaced with
a new white light. This is a brighter light, which spreads
further, illuminating more of the highway.
These lights will dim by 40% from 10pm until 6am. This
dimming process will not be implemented immediately
and only after a street has been fully completed. On
traffic routes lights will be replaced by a gold type light
and will dim in two stages: 20% between 8pm midnight,
and a further 20% until 6am.
Considerable time is given by the designers when
identifying removals and we are always sensitive to the
impact these decisions may have. The consultation process
should identify any significant issues with a particular
removal so that it can be addressed and if possible
alternative found prior to the commencement of the work.
When selecting columns for removal; where possible we
try to keep the first in the road, the last in the road, columns
near a junction, columns lighting school areas and avoid
removing two columns in a row. This is a contentious issue
and may be the cause of many queries throughout
the process.
Support
Consultation and engagement
We know that communities often
consider street lighting as a key feature
of maintaining and enhancing levels of
safety and wellbeing. We are always willing
to provide assistance and support to
ensure that the outcome is satisfactory.
Any comments received during the
consultation period will be taken into account
when formalising the ultimate solution.
For general comments relating to street lighting faults,
general enquiries or if you are concerned about the
impact of these changes in your area, we can be
contacted on 0800 7838 247 or by email: enquiries@
lightingcambridgeshire.com. We will be happy to talk
you through any details or queries and if required we can
arrange for someone to meet with you.
In addition, representatives of Balfour Beatty would be
pleased to attend any meetings at any stage to explain
the future works.
As is the case with many new and innovative projects
there will be significant changes which unfortunately will
not please everybody. Rest assured however that the
contract has been set up to implement Cambridgeshire
County Council policy and Balfour Beatty supports this
through all of our works and procedures.
8
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Whilst every effort is made to accommodate individual
needs, final decisions are made based on the overall impact
on a community, and the achievement of the best lighting
solution possible.
It is essential that comments on removals and concerns
on designs are reported as early as possible so that any
issues can be addressed prior to the commencement of
works. Expectations should be managed as it will not be
possible to meet all individual and often conflicting wishes
in all circumstances.
The following table describes the consultation process to be
undertaken by the partnership prior to the commencement of
work in an area with their appropriate timescales. Please note
that the timescales stated are minimum values only.
Please note the response times for each action and the
deadlines set, as these are extremely important. It is critical
that any comments are made as soon as possible.
Timescale
(Days Prior to work
commencing )
Consultation
Preliminary
Drawing
Distribution
Local Council
Meetings
Leaflet Drop
42-45
42-45
40
Stage
45- 50
9
Alterations
Confirmation
Marking-up the
street for column
installation
Letter Drop
Date
Confirmation
Work is able to
commence
10-20
10-20
7
0
Feedback
Deadline
22
21
Feedback
Between 21-23
days after the
circulation of the
maps
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Finally, once the consultation period is complete, Balfour Beatty
specialist teams will enter the areas and carry out the programme of
works
Balfour Beatty will inform County and District Councillors along
with Parish/Town Council as to the expected start date for the
commencement of works
At this stage, specific letters will be delivered to residents to encourage
them to view the plans on the website, look for any road marking or
yellow tape and contact the Parish/Town Council or Balfour Beatty if they
have any concerns
Prior to construction, the Balfour Beatty design team will travel to site
and mark-up their designs on the streets themselves. New column
positions will be marked in white paint with a cross surrounded by a
circle, with a small “SL” to denote Street Light. Columns to be removed
and not replaced will have a sign on them stating that the column will be
permanently removed
The alterations are reviewed and agreed by Head of Design at Balfour
Beatty and new plans issued
The deadline for the return of drawings and comments will be reached
21-23 days after receiving the drawings, 22 days prior to work
commencing
Balfour Beatty will collect, log and distribute all enquiries and feedback
provided by Councillors, residents or anyone else involved in the works
Balfour Beatty will complete a leaflet drop to all residents affected by the
proposed works
If required, Balfour Beatty or CCC would be happy to attend a meeting
with the Town/Parish Council and local Councillors to discuss any
questions or feedback where they exist. Please contact us to arrange
this
Balfour Beatty will send the preliminary drawings, letter and information
pack to relevant Elected Members and Local Councils
Balfour Beatty will commence the consultation process with
Cambridgeshire County Council and agree on removals.
Activity
Any requests for changes at this stage are unlikely to be met and where an issue carries an
additional cost this must be met by a third party
None
Again, the more notice we are provided with for any feedback, the more likely it will be for changes
to be looked into and resolved
If any positions are noted with serious issues please raise them to Balfour Beatty as soon as
possible to allow the maximum time for amendments to be made to column positioning if possible
Please make yourself aware of these changes to ensure you are up to date with the proposed
plans and able to answer any queries from residents
Please ensure that all comments and feedback have been provided to Balfour Beatty prior to this
cut-off date as any comments received after this point will be reviewed as additional works and
may well incur additional costs. Any maps that were circulated to Local Council’s and relevant
Elected Members that do not receive a response by the deadline will be considered as a ‘no
comment’ and the works will be completed as per the design
Whilst every effort is made to resolve concerns relating to street lighting it is important to
recognise that difficult decisions do have to be made and it is not always possible to adhere to
requests. In circumstances where changes are requested that are outside of the contract remit
any costs will need to be met by a third party
If residents do have any comments, complaints or requests which you are not happy or confident
in dealing with please pass their details on to us or ask them to contact our customer care team
on 0800 7838 247 or via email at enquiries@lightingcambridgeshire.com
If you require a meeting to be organised please contact CCC to arrange. Please prepare notes
and specific queries/enquiries beforehand so all of your points can be covered
When you receive the drawings and the accompanying material, please look over them carefully
and note any comments, recommendations and requests which may arise. You have 21-23 days
to provide feedback on these drawings
No action required
Your action
Cambridgeshire
Street Lighting PFI
Drawings
10
We maintain 2,300
illuminated bollards
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Drawings
Understanding the information
You will receive an email with the drawings of the proposed street light installations and
removals in your area for your comment and consideration.
If you have any direct comments please feel free to contact Balfour Beatty either by phone on 0800 7838 247 or via email at
enquiries@lightingcambridgeshire.com.
You can also choose to view the drawings online and submit your feedback electronically. To do this please follow the step
by step guide laid out below which shows you how to access the necessary information to allow forto understand the street
lighting designs in your area.
Step 1: Accessing the website
Step 3: Viewing the drawings
Go to the specifically designed website
www.lightingcambridgeshire.com
To assist in viewing the map, click on the icon to zoom in or
out as desired. It can also be re-orientated.
To access the new drawings for your area click on
‘New Lighting’ in the menu bar.
Some drawings will show a street in its entirety whereas
others, due to the length of the road, are split. The splits are
from left to right and separated by a ‘cut line’. These cut lines
are imaginary lines used to split up the roads into sections
so that more of a road can fit onto a drawing by stacking
sections onto a single drawing. Generally a cut line will
start at Cut Line A in the top left of a drawing and follow on
through to the bottom right. A visual representation of this is
shown on pages 16 and 17 in Figures 5, 6 & 7.
Step 2: Selecting the drawings
This page shows the entire street list for scheduled
works, separated by area, and the timescales for
commencement. By clicking on the name of the street,
a map will appear showing the location and type of
street lights due to be installed, replaced or removed.
11
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Drawings
Understanding the information (continued)
Step 4: Understanding the drawings
Although the drawings may appear to be very complicated, they are produced in a uniform fashion to make them easy to
understand. The descriptions and annotated diagrams below have been drawn up to assist in understanding these but if you
do have any additional queries please contact Balfour Beatty and we will try to assist.
Each street light on the map has two sets of numbers. Numbers in the form of “CC7”, for example are old Cambridgeshire
County Council numbers which will be written on the existing columns on all roads that have not yet been through the
replacement programme. The new numbers, typically a letter followed by a number and then three more letters, i.e. “L1PEG”
are numbers which will be affixed to all new and deemed-to-comply columns which have undergone the programme of
works. This new numbering system gives each column in the County an individual ID which allows for much more accurate
identification of columns.
Signs are also afforded numbers, denoted by the letter S followed by an individual number, of either 3 or 4 digits, i.e. S6543.
As can be seen from the annotated figures, there are various symbols of varying colours associated with these different
numbers, each of which represents a different item.
ƒƒ Those with a green circular symbol are ‘Deemed
to Comply’ and so will remain as they are, apart
from a lantern change to upgrade to the new
lanterns.
ƒƒ Those that are represented with a red cross hair
are ‘Non-Deemed to Comply’ and are due to be
replaced with a new column.
ƒƒ Those that are represented with a red cross hair
and thick red ring have been highlighted for
removal and not to be replaced.
ƒƒ Those with a blue circular symbol are new columns
which will be installed as part of the programme
of works.
ƒƒ Triangular symbols in red represent old signs
which are being removed.
ƒƒ Triangular symbols in purple are non-illuminated
signs to be replaced.
ƒƒ The symbols with letters represent the various
electrical works to take place. Different colours
(black/orange) denote different cable types:
D – Disconnection of an old column/illuminated sign.
T – Transfer of electrical supply from an old column/
sign to a new one.
N – New Service to be installed for a new
column/sign.
ƒƒ Triangular symbols in blue are new signs to
be installed.
Step 5: Providing feedback
Comments should be made by contacting Balfour Beatty either by phone on 0800 7838 247 or via email at
enquiries@lightingcambridgeshire.com.
12
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Drawings
Drawing explanations
The key
As you will see on each of the drawings on the right-hand side there is a Key, as displayed in Figure 1 below. This denotes
each of the symbols which are contained within the drawings. This will change according to the different elements involved
within the drawing but the majority of the Key’s will look similar.
Figure 1
Key
Definitions
LANTERN:
LANTERN OPTIC:
TILT:
COLUMN HEIGHT:
COLUMN TYPE :
BRACKET:
LAMP:
CONTROL:
URBIS FURYO 2
FYO2/PGSC/2039/101/-24/28371X
5 DEGREES
8M
STEPPED TUBULAR STEEL
1.0M
140 WATT CPO-TW
TELENSA (DALI XTREME BALLAST)
LANTERN:
LANTERN OPTIC:
TILT:
COLUMN HEIGHT:
COLUMN TYPE :
BRACKET:
LAMP:
CONTROL:
URBIS FURYO 2
FYO2/PGSC/2039/101/-24/28371X
5 DEGREES
0M
STEPPE D TUBULAR STEEL
1.0M
140 WATT CPO-TW
TELENSA (DALI XTREME BALLAST)
LANTERN:
LANTERN OPTIC:
TILT:
COLUMN HEIGHT:
COLUMN TYPE :
BRACKET:
LAMP:
CONTROL:
DTC LANTERN SWAP ONLY
PHILIPS RES IDIUM FGS224
N/A
5 DEGREES
5M
OCTAGONAL STEEL
SE3
6 WATT PL-L
TELENSA (HF -DALI BALLAST)
TRAFFIC SIGN:
POST:
SIGNLIGHT:
LAMP:
ILLUMINATED SINGLE-HEADED
4M LBP PT CUT TO SUIT EXISTING
REDDLIGHT RH2 LED WITH PHOTOCELL
LED
Removals and others
20 X EXISTING NON DTC LIGHTING COLUMN TO BE
REMOVED FOR RECYCLING
EXISTING NON DTC LIGHTING COLUMN TO BE REMOVED
AND NOT REPLACED AS ANNEX A – AGREED WITH CCC
11 X EXISTING ILLUMINATED SINGLE-HEADED TRAFFIC
SIGN TO BE REMOVED TO TIP OFF SITE
2 X NON-ILLUMINATED SINGLE TRAFFIC SIGN COLUMN: 4M
STRAIGHT POST
NEW DNO SUPPLY
TRANSFER OF DNO SUPPLY
DISCONNECTION OF DNO SUPPLY
13
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Blue circle New column to be installed
Green circle This column will remain but will receive
a new lantern
Blue triangle New illuminated sign to be installed
Red cross hairs The column will be removed
Circled red cross hairs
Column to be removed and not replaced
Red triangle Illuminated sign to be removed
Purple triangle Non illuminated traffic sign to be installed
Black N New electric connection
Black T Electricity transfer
Black D Electric supply to be
disconnected
Please note:
these may
also be orange
denoting a private
cable network.
Black symbols
represent UK
Power Networks
connections.
Drawings
Drawing explanations
Explanation to removals/others/electrical works symbols
Additional features which are laid out within the design drawings include the removals, signs to be installed and removed and
the electrical works to be completed. These are detailed in Figure 2.
Figure 2
26 X existing non dtc lighting column to be removed
for recycling
Column removal
Existing non dtc lighting column to be removed and
not replaced as annex a – agreed with ccc
Column removal
& not replaced
11 X existing illuminated single-headed traffic sign to be
removed to tip off site
Sign removal
2 X non-illuminated single traffic sign column: 4m
straight post
New dno supply
Transfer of dno supply
Disconnection of dno supply
14
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Electrical works
Drawings
Drawing explanations
Explanation to column/lantern symbols
The key feature of the drawings and Key are the lantern and column descriptions. These are further defined in Figures 3 & 4.
Figure 3
Blue = new column
8
= Column height
(In metres)
F
= lamp category
Lantern: Lantern optic: Tilt: Urbis Furyo 2
fyo2/pgsc/2039/101/-24/28371x
5 degrees
Type of lantern used
Column height: Column type : 8m
Stepped tubular steel
Column height & material
Bracket:
1.0M
Lamp:
140 watt CPO-TW
Lamp type & power
Control: Telensa (Dali Xtreme Ballast)
Lamp control system
Total number of this
type of column/lantern
within design
15
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Drawings
Drawing explanations
Explanation to column/lantern symbols
Figure 4
Green= DTC column
8
= Column height
(In metres)
F
= lamp category
Lantern: Lantern optic: Tilt: Dtc lantern swap only
Philips residium fgs224
fyo2/pgsc/2039/101/-24/28371x
5 degrees
Type of lantern used
Column height: Column type : 8m
Octagonal steel
Column height & material
Bracket:SE
Lamp:
36 watt PL-L
Lamp type & power
Control: Telensa (Hf-Dali Ballast)
Lamp control system
Total number of this
type of column/lantern
within design
16
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Drawings
Explanation of cut lines
Cut lines are used to break-up long roads so that they fit onto the A3 drawings, these drawings are used on site and are a key
tool. Originally the design model starts off as a single road, as the road exists in real space. The cut lines are then placed at
even points, as displayed in Figure 5 below, splitting the road into segments. These segments can then be displayed on the A3
drawings, as displayed in Figures 6 & 7 on the next page, following on from each other in a linear fashion.
Figure 5
Se
cti
on
Cut line A
1
Se
cti
on
Cut line B
2
Se
Cut line C
ctio
Cut line D
n3
Sectio
n4
17
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Cut line E
Sec
tion
5
Drawings
Figure 6
Figure 7
18
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Cambridgeshire
Street Lighting PFI
Street lighting upgrade process
19
We maintain 3,900
illuminated traffic signs
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Street lighting upgrade process
Pre-installation
Initial planning
ƒƒ Initially, an overall plan is created to give a high level
outline of the order in which each area will be completed.
ƒƒ A mix of column heights, install difficulty and complexity
must be maintained throughout to ensure that an even
workload is kept for a steady workflow throughout the
installation period. Local factors such as events will also
be considered when planning works.
ƒƒ Clashes with other works and unforeseen circumstances
on site mean that priorities can change and that the
programme can alter.
Site survey and pre-design Information
ƒƒ An on-site survey is undertaken to visibly assess the
area to be lit and review the existing lighting equipment.
In addition, the surveyor will carry out electrical feed
inspections and check for hazards and obstacles (such
as drives, trees, buildings and road layouts).
ƒƒ Check for the presence of underground and
overhead services.
ƒƒ Liaise with local Tree Officers to identify conservation
areas and trees with Tree Preservation Orders attached
(TPOs).
ƒƒ Ascertain whether the road has any listed buildings or
is in a conservation area.
ƒƒ Define whether the road is a traffic route and/or has any
conflict areas (i.e. junctions, roundabouts etc.)
ƒƒ Decide on specific design levels.
ƒƒ Identify removals to achieve the 10% overall reduction
20
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Street lighting upgrade process
Pre-installation
Design
There will be two types of design used within
Cambridgeshire:
When completing their designs, our specialist design team
must consider:
One for one replacements:
ƒƒ The safety of our workforce and the avoidance of
installing lighting columns adjacent to overhead lines.
Installations must consider guidance in accordance with
G39 & HSE GS6 guidance.
ƒƒ Primarily in residential areas.
ƒƒ Majority of new columns will be placed within 3m of
the old columns.
ƒƒ Some columns will be permanently removed and
not replaced.
Complete re-designs:
ƒƒ Used on specified traffic routes, and certain
residential streets.
ƒƒ Road lighting will be completely redesigned to
new lighting standards.
ƒƒ New columns may be placed in completely
different positions to the old columns which will
be removed in most cases.
A lighting designer can face many challenges, and must
balance many factors when lighting a road. From the
outside, it may appear that a column position has not
been carefully considered, however, this would never be
the case. For example, the siting of a column adjacent to
a tree is always avoided where possible, but other factors
may mean that this is a necessity. In many cases columns
are moved out of trees as part of the redesign.
ƒƒ Underground services – an electrical service has the
potential to kill our workforce. Where possible high
voltage cable must be avoided, therefore this could
dictate which side of the road the columns are located.
Conversely we must also look to install adjacent to a
low voltage cable so that the column can receive its
power supply. Other services (such as gas, telecoms
and water) must also be considered. Guidance stated
in HSE GS47 must be followed.
ƒƒ The locating of columns adjacent to trees will always
be avoided where possible. Tree branches and leaves
can impinge on the light levels and also increase
maintenance activities. It must be stated that it is not
always possible to avoid this. NJUG guidelines will
be considered.
ƒƒ Lighting levels must be achieved and maintained, and
moving columns on request from residents could mean
that we do not achieve the dictated targets.
ƒƒ Hazards and obstacles identified from the survey, such
as drives, buildings and road layouts.
ƒƒ Conflict areas – these are lit to higher levels and
column positioning becomes more stringent.
21
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Street lighting upgrade process
Installation
The works on site will follow a set
process, which is explained in detail and
chronological order below.
The columns are not replaced in one visit, and the work
will be completed over a period that can take up to and in
some cases beyond six weeks. Every effort will be made
to minimise disruption and it is important to remember
that works will be taking place on a large number of roads
at the same time. You will also see barriers on site and
numerous visits whilst the work is undertaken.
If barriers are out on site guarding excavations, yet there
are no workmen, this does not mean that the site has
been abandoned or forgotten. It means that the next part
of the process will be carried out imminently. All parts of
the process required specialist skill sets and this is why
numerous visits are required.
Please remember, this is a huge task with approximately
56,000 units being replaced over a five year period.
Although we work as quickly as we can to the highest
standard possible, it is inevitable that you will see works
going on throughout the County. Providing that work
sites are left in safe conditions when unattended, this is
absolutely normal.
Marking out
ƒƒ Once the final drawings are issued, the designer
responsible for the drawing goes out onto site and
marks out the position of the new street lights with
a circular mark on the ground in non-hazardous
marking paint.
ƒƒ The designer will also mark columns to be removed
by affixing a laminated notice.
ƒƒ It must be noted that it is not always possible to install
the column where it has been marked. Underground
services drawings are not always 100% accurate and
the services may block the proposed column position.
22
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Street lighting upgrade process
Column install
ƒƒ Upon receiving the construction drawings from the
design team, the first stage for the operations team
is to send a column install crew to dig small holes
and install the lighting columns without the lanterns
attached.
ƒƒ The final position will be subject to the presence of
underground services.
ƒƒ Please note from the picture (right) that the new
column is situated adjacent to the existing one and
the new lantern is not yet installed.
Lantern install
ƒƒ For the next part of the process, a team of
electricians will fit the lanterns to the top of the
pre-installed columns.
Excavation works
ƒƒ Once the new column is ready, our excavation teams
will visit the site and dig a section around the column
to expose an electrical supply. Although you can see
the cables, they are insulated and perfectly safe.
ƒƒ Normally the joint bay will be concentrated around
the column but, additional trenching may be required
if there is no electricity supply near to the new column.
All of the excavations will be fully cordoned off with
barriers in accordance with our stringent health and
safety systems.
23
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Street lighting upgrade process
Electrical connections
ƒƒ After the appropriate electrical cable is exposed, a team
from the District Network Operator (DNO) will connect
the electricity supply to the street light. DNO is a
new term that is used for what once was referred
to as the Electricity Board. The DNO that operates in
Cambridgeshire is UK Power Networks.
ƒƒ Although we plan and provide programmes of works
for them, they are a self-governing body and do not
come under direct control of Balfour Beatty. As such
any columns you see with DNO signs are waiting for
DNO works and we are unable to continue until the
DNO complete their works.
ƒƒ There can often be delays attributed with the DNO
side of works, such as the discovery of unsafe cabling.
This can lead to delays to the completion of works whilst
the DNO use the opportunity to undertake improvements
to their network.
ƒƒ There are three forms of electrical connections which
may be used:
New connections – connecting the column to the
main electricity supply via a new joint.
Disconnections – making safe an old connection
which is no longer in use.
Transfers – transferring the electrical supply from an
old column into the new column.
Removing the old street lights
ƒƒ Once the new lantern and column are in light, the
redundant column can be removed.
ƒƒ Once taken out of the ground, the old street light is
fully disassembled and all of the components are sent
to be recycled.
24
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Here you can see an exposed, but insulated and safe
cable which has been transferred from an old column
into a new column.
Street lighting upgrade process
Reinstatement
ƒƒ Once the old column has been removed, all of the
excavations will be filled and reinstated.
ƒƒ To do this, our team of engineers will fill the excavation
and top it off with a matching surface material. The
surface will be fully smoothed and left in the same
condition as it was prior to the works.
Quality control
Independent certification
ƒƒ On completion of the works, the installation is
inspected and tested to ensure that the installation
complies with the appropriate standards and
contractual requirements and is in working order.
ƒƒ Further to the checks above, all streets and installations
are put forward for an Independent Certifier’s (IC) check.
The IC is an expert independent body that will inspect
the quality of all works on a monthly basis.
ƒƒ Any issues identified will be rectified.
ƒƒ Results are reviewed and only street lights which have
passed the stringent checks are passed as completed.
ƒƒ Any street lights which fail the review are re-entered
into the works programme and will be rectified as soon
as possible. They will then be re-assessed in the next
available check.
Completion
ƒƒ This completes the work in the street and it will be
returned to its normal condition but with the improved
lighting solution.
25
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Street lighting upgrade process
Site safety
You will see disruption on site, and barriers deployed to cover excavations. This is a normal part of the process, and should not
be called in for attention unless the barriers have been disturbed.
The pictures below show some examples of some safe and unsafe sites.
ƒƒ If you see an excavation such as those with a green tick, do not worry, the site is safe and we will be there to finish the
works as soon as we can.
ƒƒ If you see a site like those with a red cross, this is unsafe! Please contact us on 0800 7838 247 and we will come to
rectify it as soon as possible.
This site is perfectly acceptable, and is simply
work in progress.
This site is dangerous, and Balfour Beatty should
be contacted immediately.
This excavation is safely covered by barriers.
This hole is open, and Balfour Beatty should be
contacted immediately on the numbers stated on
the barriers.
26
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Cambridgeshire
Street Lighting PFI
Frequently asked questions
27
We maintain 3,900
illuminated traffic signs
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Frequently asked questions
I’ve received a leaflet about the street
lighting replacement work. What happens
next?
If a new column is installed outside my
house, will I be disturbed by light shining
through my window?
The leaflet indicates that the works will take place in
approximately 40 days. You will receive an additional
notification letter two to four weeks before Balfour Beatty
commences work in your area. At the same time as this,
the streets will be marked to indicate the new column
positions.
The latest design technology helps to ensure that light is
mostly directed down towards the road and pavement –
but there may be a small amount of backward light. If you
feel that the light is too bright please contact our customer
care team (either call us on 0800 7838 247 or email us at
enquiries@lightingcambridgeshire.com) and we will carry
out tests to ensure that the levels of illumination onto your
property are not in excess of acceptable standards. A shield
can be fitted to street lights where it is considered that the
light level on a property needs to be reduced.
In the meantime, if you wish to view the plans
for works on your street you can visit
www.lightingcambridgeshire.com. We would also
encourage you to liaise with your local Council so that you
can understand the overall impacts in your area.
When will you be doing work in my area?
The website www.lightingcambridgeshire.com provides
indicative timescales for when the works will be started.
After accessing the website, click on the ‘New Lighting’ tab
and find your street. This is an indicative high level plan
and is subject to change.
What does the work involve?
The work involves the upgrading of approximately 56,000
lighting units. They are being upgraded to a more efficient
light source and in the majority of cases, the works will
involve the replacement of life expired lighting columns.
Where columns are replaced, excavations are required to
transfer and upgrade the supply cables. Newer columns
will not be replaced, and the lantern only will
be exchanged.
Will the new columns be in the same
position as the old columns?
In most residential streets, the new columns will be located
at the back of the footpath and as close to the existing
column as permissible. If possible, this will generally be
within 3m of the current column positions.
New columns on traffic routes and in areas that require
a more uniform light may be in different positions.
This is because the current lighting standards require a
minimum light level and a consistency of lighting which
may not be achievable without changing the position and
spacing of the lighting columns. Additional lighting may be
required for safety at road junctions.
28
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Who can I speak to if I have a problem with
a new column location?
If you have any issues with a newly installed street lighting
column or would like to put in a request to move an existing
column due to be replaced, please contact our customer
care team.
Either call us on 0800 7838 247 or email us at
enquiries@lightingcambridgeshire.com
A street light has been located in a tree,
what can be done?
Whilst every effort is made to avoid locating lights near to
trees, in some circumstances it is unavoidable. Where this
has happened, and the tree is on private property and overhanging the highway, Balfour Beatty will ask the land owners
to trim the tree or can arrange this on their behalf. If the tree
is on public highway, and does not have a Tree Preservation
Order, Balfour Beatty will trim the tree so that it does not
impair lighting levels.
A new street light has been installed but it
is not working, who do I contact?
If an old or new street light on your road is not in light at
night, please report it to us on 0800 7838 247 or email us
on enquiries@lightingcambridgeshire.com and we will
endeavour to fix it as soon as we are able to.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if I am concerned about the
safety or condition of the works being
carried out in my area?
For all enquiries or comments regarding on site
operations, please contact our customer care team
(either call us on 0800 7838 247 or email us at
enquiries@lightingcambridgeshire.com). For safety
concerns, please contact us on the telephone number
immediately.
Why are some columns being removed
and not replaced?
Under the terms of the funding for the PF I contract,
Cambridgeshire County Council is required to identify
savings of 10%. As part of this, a decision was made to
reduce the lighting stock across the County by 10%.
As traffic routes are being completely redesigned (and
any savings from more efficient design are already taken
into account) removals can only be taken from residential
areas. This means that some residential areas may
experience 40% or more in street lighting reduction. The
new installations are being constructed in accordance
with the contract specification. These changes are in line
with Authority’s policy and will greatly benefit and enhance
the County.
Can the Council legally turn off lights?
Yes. There is no statutory requirement on local authorities
in the UK to provide public lighting, the law states that:
ƒƒ The Highways Act empowers local authorities to light
roads but does not place a duty to do so.
ƒƒ The Council has a duty of care to road users and has
an obligation to light obstructions on the highway.
ƒƒ The Council has a statutory duty under the
Highways Act to ensure the safety of the highway
and this includes any lighting equipment placed on
the highway.
ƒƒ The Electricity at Work Regulations imposes a duty
on owners and operators of electrical equipment to
ensure its safety.
29
Streetlighting • Councillors’ Information Pack
Why are the new lights white and not yellow
like the old ones?
The current yellow lanterns will be replaced with a new
white light throughout the County, providing a brighter light
which spreads further, illuminating more of the highway.
These lamps are much more efficient and provide a white
light which is clearer and safer for drivers and pedestrians.
Where can I express my views on the street
lighting installation service?
A questionnaire will be delivered to your house and is
available online at
www.lightingcambridgeshire.com/feedback.aspx
which will enable you to make comments. All completed
questionnaires will be evaluated with a view to improving
the service to the public.