NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
COUNTY COUNCIL
STREET LIGHTING
CODE OF PRACTICE
(also including other electrical equipment on
the highway)
Nottinghamshire County Council
Environment & Resources
Trent Bridge House
Fox Road
West Bridgford
NG2 6BJ
Sept 2014
Document No. 1
[Type text]
Page 1
Abbreviations
Page No
5
1.0 Introduction
6
2.0 Statutory Power
2.1 Highway Authority
2.2 Other Lighting Providers
2.3 Further Lighting Guidance and Information
6
6
7
7
3.0 Energy Saving
3.1 Energy Reduction
7
4.0 Design
4.1 Lighting Standards
4.2 Lanterns
4.3 Lighting Columns
4.4 Subway Lighting
4.5 Posts and feeder pillars
4.6 Lit Signs
4.7 Wall Brackets
4.8 Bollards and Beacon Poles
4.9 Illuminated Signs Attached to Lighting Columns
4.10 Competent Persons
4.11 Test Certificates/Drawings
4.12 Requirements for New Schemes
4.12.1 Primary Road Network (Group A)
4.12.2 Main Roads
4.12.3 Estate Road (Group B Roads)
4.12.4 Footpaths, Cycleways and Cycle Tracks
4.12.5 Environmental Zones
4.13 Private Developments; Section 278’s & 38’S
4.14 Private Off-Highway Lighting
4.15 Conservation Areas
4.16 Specific Lighting Requirements (Maintenance)
4.17 Obtaining a power supply from a lighting column/lit sign
8
8
9
9
10
10
10
11
11
12
12
12
13
13
13
13
14
14
14
15
15
16
16
5.0 Improvement
5.1 Passively safe lighting columns and associated equipment
5.2 Lighting Requests
17
6.0 Maintenance
6.1 Maintenance Routines
6.2 Decommissioning Equipment
6.3 Painting of street lighting columns and feeder pillars
17
17
17
17
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
Page 2
7.0 Attachments
7.1 Signs, banners and bins
7.2 Christmas/Seasonal decorations
7.3 CCTV
7.4 Radar, ANPR and other electrical equipment
7.5 Hanging Baskets
7.6 Anti-vandal measures
18
18
19
19
20
20
21
8.0 Monitoring
8.1 Inspections
8.1.1 Night Inspections on A & B Routes and Accident Schemes
8.1.2 Electrical Inspections
8.2 Performance Indicators
8.3 Inventory
8.3.1 The Asset Management register
8.4 Structural Inspections
21
21
21
21
22
22
22
Appendix A – List of Contacts for Street Lighting Maintenance
Appendix B – Street Lighting Specification
24
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
Page 3
Appendices
A List of Maintaining Agents in Nottinghamshire
B Nottinghamshire County Council - Street Lighting Specification
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
Page 4
Abbreviations
AIU
- Accident Investigation Unit
FYRR
- First Year Rate of Return
ILE
- Institute of Lighting Professional
LED
- Light Emitting Diode
LTP
- Local Transport Plan
NCC
- Nottinghamshire County Council
NET
- Nottingham Express Transit
TAMP
- Transport Asset Management Plan
TSRGD
- Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions
IET
- Institution of Engineering and Technology
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
Page 5
1. Introduction
This Street Lighting Guide sets out and provides guidance on the County Councils policies
for the provision, design, specification and maintenance of street lighting on the adopted
public highway & Rights of Way within Nottinghamshire.
There are several benefits of providing an effective street lighting service and these link in
with the corporate objectives relating to road safety, community safety, social inclusion
and quality of life including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
To reduce night time traffic accidents
Reduce street crime
Reduce the fear of crime
Promote sustainable transport (public transport, cycling & walking)
Facilitate social inclusion by providing freedom to use the streets after dark
Support the 24 hour leisure economy, promoting economic development
Provide safe access to educational facilities to support life-long learning
Assist emergency services to identify locations and shorten response times.
An effective street lighting service can contribute significantly to the following:
• Improving local conditions for economic development
• Improving community safety
• Targeting support to vulnerable communities
2. Statutory Powers
2.1 Highway Authority
Nottinghamshire County Council as Highway Authority is not required in law to provide
street lighting, however, under the Highways Act 1980, Section 97 1.) “.... every local highway authority may provide lighting for the purposes of any
highway or proposed highway for which they are or will be the highway authority,
and may for that purpose a.) contract with any persons for the supply of gas, electricity or other means of
lighting;”
Where street lighting is provided on the highway the County Council is then required by the
same Act to keep it in a safe condition under the Section 41 duty to maintain the highway
free of danger for all users.
Where equipment on the highway is damaged or requires moving the costs incurred will be
re-charged back to the person responsible.
The Highways Agency is the Highway Authority for street lighting on Trunk Roads and
Motorways, and has its own policies for the design, provision and maintenance of those
installations.
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
Page 6
There is no legal obligation for highway authorities to provide street lighting; however
Section 97 of the Highway Act 1980 gives highway authorities powers to do so should it
wish to in carrying out its duty of care for all users of the public highway.
2.2 Other Lighting Providers
District/Borough, Parish & Town Councils also have the power to provide lighting under the
powers of the Public Health Act 1985. This can be additional lighting not on the highway
such as within car parks, housing estates, park areas and school grounds. This lighting is
off the adopted highway and therefore the installation, maintenance and energy supply for
this type of lighting is not the responsibility of Highways Division.
Where external organisations wish to provide lighting on an adopted highway the consent of
Nottinghamshire County Council, as Highway Authority, is required, and as part of this
consent the maintenance of this equipment will be the responsibility of the provider.
2.3 Further Lighting Guidance and Information
The requirements for effective management of street lighting are further described in the
UK Lighting Board’s publication; ‘Well -Lit Highways’ Code of Practice for Highway Lighting
Management
in
November
2004
(updated
August
2012)
http://www.ukroadsliaisongroup.org/en/UKRLG-and-boards/uk-lighting-board/welllithighways.cfm. The good practice within this document shall be adopted by Nottinghamshire
County Council and is incorporated into this guidance where appropriate.
3. Energy Saving
3.1 Energy Reduction
The recent and rapid increases in electricity energy charges have placed additional burdens
on Local Authority budgets. NCC has commenced a programme of energy savings
measures in order to tackle the ever increasing electricity costs.
NCC has an energy saving team within Street Lighting who work on initiatives and maintain
the street lighting inventory for the purpose of energy submissions. NCC has carried out
various energy savings schemes to reduce energy costs and promote carbon reduction.
The schemes implemented have included part night lighting , dimming on larger wattage
lanterns and switching off completely where lighting is no longer required. NCC has also
moved towards more efficient lighting such as LED for any new lantern installations and
changing some inefficient low pressure sodium lanterns for more efficient LED alternatives.
There is also a programme in place of retrofitting with LED’s lamps where the existing
lantern condition is suitable to do so. All new LED lanterns are now dimmed to 50% power
between 10pm and 7am unless there is a history of night time accidents.at the location.
There are also works planned to replace bollards, signs and some lighting with LED on a
maintenance grounds.
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
Page 7
4. Design
All systems must comply with current regulations and particular attention should be drawn
to the requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the latest IET Wiring
Regulations.
General Requirements
All new street lighting provided on the public highway should be designed and installed to
the current European and National design standards; BSEN 13201:2003, BS 5489:2013
and CEN\TR 13201-1:2004 appropriate for the road class. NCC Street Lighting Designers
will specify standards within the design and give approval prior to any works taking place.
For works carried out by developers as part of a Section 38 or Section 278 Agreement the
requirements of ‘Highways Transportation and Development (HTD)’ shall be followed.
Consultation with the County Council must be carried out on all lighting designs,
installations and schemes prior to the finalisation of designs, unless otherwise specified, an
electricity supply company service must be provided for each lighting column position
unless otherwise stated. Any changes to the layout must be raised with NCC to discuss the
impact to the agreed design. This new design must be agreed by NCC.
All lighting equipment must also comply with NCC Street Lighting Specification for highway
works. Any new electrical equipment in the highway needs to be added to the street lighting
inventory so that relevant charges can be made by the electricity companies. To enable this
process developers should return ‘as built’ drawings and test certificates. Without this
information the electrical equipment will not be adopted.
NCC offer a chargeable design service for developers which will ensure that the designs
comply with NCC documentation to shorten the approval process.
NCC have now moved to LED’s for all new lighting on the highway and specifications on
preferred suppliers will be provided on request. It’s essential that new lighting equipment on
the highway is limited to selected suppliers for future maintenance of the equipment and
stock control.
The installer of the proposed lighting shall comply with the approved design and no
changes shall be permitted to that design unless the installer submits a revised lighting
design submission proving that the change does not lessen the light quality objectives
achieved by the original approved design.
It is the responsibility of the developer to ensure that the lighting being installed in the
development does not cause obtrusive light. Obtrusive lighting can now be classed as a
Statutory Nuisance in England and Wales.
4.1 Lighting Standards
a) It is important to use appropriate lighting levels at each location to ensure excessive
lighting levels are avoided and the most effective use of energy is made. Improvements in
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
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lamp efficiency should also be considered when specifying lamps and determining
appropriate lighting levels.
b) The generally preferred light source is LED’s. This shall be the standard on main roads,
in areas of reported high crime, in areas covered or proposed to be covered by CCTV
systems, on roads with existing or proposed on-road cycleways, and in areas where
coloured road surfacing has been used or is proposed (e.g. School Safety Zones).
4.2 Lanterns
a) All lanterns used in street lighting shall contain an acceptable optical system to direct
light onto the highway within the limits set within the table below (from EN13201-1). To
ensure the minimum environmental pollution to the ‘night sky’ the amount of downward light
from the lantern should be better than 80%.
Overview: Light Intensity Classes
Class
Maximum light intenstity cd/klm
At 70°
At 80°
At 90°
Other requirements
G1
200
50
None
G2
150
30
None
G3
100
20
None
G4
500
100
10
Cd/klm > 95° *to be zero
G5
350
100
10
Cd/klm > 95° *to be zero
G6
350
100
0
Cd/klm > 90° *to be zero
*The direction of the light intensity is given as the angle with the downwards vertical, with
the luminaire in position as installed.
b) All lanterns should be manufactured to a minimum of IP (Ingress Protection) 65 and BS
5490 for the lamp containment area, and should be manufactured from vandal- resistant
material. Lanterns should be sufficiently robust to give a normal operating life of 25 years.
4.3 Lighting Columns
a) All street lighting columns installed on the highway shall conform to the current BSEN
and Nottinghamshire County Council Specification or HTD as appropriate with a design
life of 50 years. The main exception to this shall be for lighting columns in areas where
additional strength will be required to support attachments already authorised such as
hanging baskets, CCTV etc.
b) Lighting columns shall be erected at the rear of the footway unless otherwise
unavoidable (cellars/statutory undertakers/Trees etc). The positioning should comply with
BS5489.
c) The mounting height of the lantern shall be determined from the road width and traffic
use but a minimum mounting height of 6 metres is recommended for all new schemes,
particularly in areas of reported high crime.
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
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d) Raising and lowering/hinged columns shall be used where road side access to the
column cannot be safely gained. For example cycleways and footways away from roads
and where problems arise from vandals damaging lighting equipment. All footpath (offhighway) columns shall be of this type.
e) The lighting column manufacturer shall be registered with and certified by either British
Standards Institute Quality Assurance Services or Lloyds Register Quality Assurance for
the manufacture, supply and verification of lighting columns under their Quality Assurance
Schedule to BS EN ISO 9002-1994.
f) Columns and brackets shall comply fully with the requirements of BSEN40.
g) Columns shall be tubular steel manufactured without any transverse welds bar the
reduction between base and shaft. Columns shall be hot dipped galvanised in accordance
with BS EN 1461 and the root of the column shall be protected as per Standard Details.
h) The column spigot shall be the same size throughout the range of columns required and
all columns and brackets shall be the same type and design and ideally from the same
manufacturer.
i) Columns and brackets arms shall be free of sharp edges, burrs or irregularities.
4.4 Subway lighting
Many existing subways included recesses to accept flush mounting fittings. These should
be replaced at the end of their useful life by LED lights giving the same light output. Design
work involved should be carried out through the Street Lighting Design Team.
4.5 Posts and feeder pillars
Where lighting installations are fed by a private electrical supply (e.g. Nottinghamshire
County Council (NCC)), a feeder pillar shall be used to house the main electrical service
and control equipment. The pillar shall conform to NCC Standard Details and the electrical
installation shall conform to BS 7671.
The feeder pillars shall not rely on the earth provided by the electrical supply company but
shall be earthed separately by means of an earth rod. Earthing shall conform to BS 7430.
The isolation equipment shall be a distribution board complete with isolator switch and
appropriate fuse/circuit breakers.
4.6 Lit Signs
Signs that are currently internally lit should be replaced when either damaged or requiring
replacement through fair wear and tear by either non-illuminated signs or externally
illuminated as prescribed under the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002
(TSRGD 2002). Consideration should be given to the installation of 3D Diamond Graded or
solar powered signs where appropriate and when the technology and cost prove to be
financially viable.
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
Page 10
Where flashing amber lights are provided as part of a road safety package associated with
an individual school then the school will be actively encouraged to assume ownership in the
reporting of maintenance defects to the County Council’s street lighting section even though
the lights may be automatically switched. Any additional programmable flashing amber
warning lights shall be to the County Council Standard type to allow ease of programming
and maintenance.
4.7 Wall Brackets
In general wall brackets are attached to private property and are the subject of wayleave
agreements. Brackets can be of architectural interest in their own right. Where they have
been installed in order to reduce street furniture clutter they should be maintained as such.
In most cases it is preferable to remove existing wall brackets to eliminate any possible
issues regarding access and maintenance. They should be replaced with lighting columns
within the close vicinity of the original bracket where possible. Existing wayleave
agreements would then cease. This should be done in accordance with agreement from
the land or property owner. This should be done either through the capital replacement
scheme (with no greater priority over other possible capital replacement schemes) or when
the bracket reaches the end of its useful life through other causes (e.g. damage).
As part of the works involving removal of brackets, the electricity supply should be removed
and any brick/stonework or other material both to the box and behind the fitting should be
made good as part of the scheme.
4.8 Bollards and Beacon poles
All new bollards to be low voltage (24V), LED with a photocell.
When the bollard is within 5m of a traffic signal and any sign on the bollard is facing in the
same direction as the signal head and where the speed limit is 40mph or below, then it is
preferred to use non-illuminated bollards with all round reflectivity.
Electricity Supply Company electrical services should be avoided. Bollards should only be
fed by private cable via sub-circuit fuse units from the nearest lighting position or feeder
pillar. Where a central beacon is installed along with bollards on a refuge, the beacon shall
be the first radial point of the sub-circuit.
Flat, self-righting, retro-reflective bollards, complying with BS 8442, may be erected so long
as they do not incorporate a traffic sign.
If a traffic bollard incorporates a sign – i.e. diagram 610 or 611 arrow – certain
circumstances dictate that they be illuminated. Special authorisation from the Department
for Transport is therefore required for the use of flat bollards incorporating microprismatic
retro-reflective materials in locations where the TSRGD 2002 would require illumination.
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
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4.9 Illuminated Signs Attached to Lighting Columns
Illuminated signs should no longer be attached to Lighting columns. The signs should have
a dedicated broad base post. Where existing signs are attached to a column these should
be given a dedicated post when being replaced at the end of their useful life. Alternatively
the structural strength of the column will be tested to see if it is adequate to support such a
sign or the column designed specifically to accommodate the sign.
4.10 Competent Persons
Only competent persons will be allowed to work on street lighting installations and all
contractors must be registered as follows:a)
b)
c)
Engineering Council Recommendation – G.39.
NICEIC (or similar).
Quality Assurance.
4.11 Test Certificates/Drawings
As per 7671 test certificates for all new works and minor work.
On completion of an electrical installation (street lighting, bollards, signs, etc) the following
documents must be completed and forwarded to the County Council within 5 working days
of the completion of the installation. The requirements are as follow:a)
b)
c)
NICEIC Test Certificate.
A laminated A4 cable schematic for placement in each feeder pillar.
As-installed drawings including grid references.
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
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4.12 Requirements for New Schemes
The lighting shall be designed to the categories given in BS5489-1:2013.
In general, ME classes are used for traffic routes and are used where the road only requires
lighting (i.e. not including the footpath), CE classes are used for critical areas (junctions,
roundabouts).
4.12.1 Primary Road Network (Group A)
All lighting within this category shall be designed in accordance with BS 5489-1:2013
Lighting columns on group A roads will generally be at 8, 10, 12 metre mounting height and
subsequently the mounting height will determine the lantern/lamp to be used. 12m columns
should only be used in exceptional circumstances. Any use of long brackets shall comply
with Standard details but should be avoided if possible.
In areas of open country a low threshold increment lantern (flat glass, Dished
Polycarbonate or Curved Tempered Glass) will be required to minimise the night-time
impact on the environment.
Within the urban area regard shall be given to light intrusion and lighting columns must be
sited to cause minimum distraction and nuisance to residents and road users.
Special care must be taken in the choice of lantern to ensure the best spacing of lighting
columns whilst maintaining the required lighting levels.
4.12.2 Main Roads
All lighting within this category shall be designed to BS 5489 M Class.
4.12.3 Estate Roads (Group B roads)
All lighting within this category shall be designed to BS 5489-1:2013 Part 1.
Lighting columns on group B roads shall generally be of 6 metre mounting height and
subsequently the mounting height will determine the lantern/lamp to be used.
The use of old type post top lanterns is to be avoided because of the lack of lighting control
and the consequent night-time impact on the environment. New style post top/spigot
mounted lanterns can be used.
Care must be exercised in the choice of lanterns to achieve the best possible spacing whilst
maintaining the minimum lighting levels required. Dished polycarbonate or curved
tempered glass shall be used to give good spacing to height ration utilising LED lanterns.
Only lanterns with download light output ration better than 80% will be accepted on the
grounds of reducing nightglow and obtrusive light.
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
Page 13
4.12.4 Footpaths, Cycleways and Cycle Tracks
Lighting columns on footpaths and cycleways with no vehicular access shall be 5 metre
mounting height, raising and lowering (hinged) columns complete with new style post top or
spigot mounted lantern. 6 metre columns can be used in exceptional circumstances.
The running surface of a lit cycle track will typically be 2 to 4 metres wide. From a user
perspective, this is really quite narrow and a cyclist or pedestrian’s perception of safety at
night will depend principally on good lighting technique.
To engender a feeling of security it is recommended by the ILE technical report number 23
– Lighting of Cycle Tracks, that a visibility zone, minimum of 3 metres wide, be maintained
on each side of a lit cycle track.
4.12.5 Environmental Zones
Lighting design in these areas shall be designed to BS 5489-1:2013 Part 1
4.13 Private developments; Section 278’s, 38’s
Under Sections 278 and 38 of the Highways Act 1980 private developers may carry out
works on the highway or create new highway which is to be adopted by the Highway
Authority. Lighting and signs will normally be provided by developers on new housing
developments. All scheme designs for these not designed by the County Council must be
approved by the Authority before installation commences. Nottinghamshire County Council
will liaise with developers/installers of lighting equipment prior to any alterations to existing
equipment or additional equipment being installed to ensure that appropriate standards are
followed. The cost of checking and approving scheme designs shall be borne by the
developer. A full set of information regarding any equipment upgraded or installed as part
of the development shall be provided to Nottinghamshire County Council by the developer
including test certificates etc. Any equipment which has less than 2 years left on the
existing test certificates shall be re-tested and lamp exchanged (excluding LED lanterns)
prior to adoption and the cost borne by the developer.
The maintenance and energy costs of the installed street lighting remain the responsibility
of the developer until the roads are adopted and become part of the highway network. The
necessary NICEIC certificates and as-installed drawings must be completed and
forwarded to the County Council before the legal completion of the adoption
process.
All developers shall attach one ‘Not Adopted’ sign to all lamp columns and lit signs that are
erected as part of the development. These should be attached using non-metallic cable
ties and will remain in place until such time as the County Council adopts the equipment.
The signs will provide the contact details of the developer or other relevant person to be
contacted regarding any lighting defect. For larger developments, it is preferred that an
information sign is erected at each entrance to the site advising residents of accurate
contact details for all maintenance purposes. The style and format of these signs shall be
agreed with Nottinghamshire County Council prior to installation.
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
Page 14
The County Council has a design and installation service which is available to developers
on a rechargeable basis (contact the County Council’s street lighting design team on 0115
9773362).
4.14 Private Off-Highway Lighting
Nottinghamshire County Council wishes to ensure, as far as is possible and practicable,
that schemes, including private lighting, are designed to minimise light spill, night sky
pollution and hours of operation as well as being required to be maintained throughout the
life of the system. All off highway lighting near to the highway shall be submitted for
approval.
Advice on such off-highway lighting shall be provided with the application of conditions to
such planning applications. All sites should be carefully monitored at the planning
application stage but especially:
•
•
•
•
•
Petrol filling stations
Car park lighting – particularly shopping/commercial developments where sphere
style lights in particular should be rejected as a means of area illumination
Industrial security lighting
Lighting for sports stadia, playing fields and golf driving ranges
Illuminated advertisements.
All planning applications for exterior lighting will be scrutinised and enforcement action will
be taken where unapproved lights have been erected and are affecting the night
environment.
In general the style of lighting to be used in almost all instances should be the “down
lighter” type with a flat glass (i.e. no bowl) lantern mounted in the horizontal position to
reduce the spill light to the surrounding areas. Illuminated advertisements should utilise the
down light style of illumination. The Institute of Lighting Engineers’ Technical Report No. 5
(2nd Edition), “Brightness of Illuminated Advertisements” gives guidance on recommended
level of illumination.
4.15 Conservation Areas
Alternative or heritage style lighting in designated Conservation Areas will be considered
subject to the approval of district planners and the Conservation Team at Nottinghamshire
County Council. Heritage lighting using equipment approved by the Council will be
acceptable. It shall generally be in accordance with sections 6.2 and 6.3 above although
the lighting level requirements may be relaxed providing safety and security are not
compromised. For new developments, such approved heritage lighting will be the subject
of a commuted sum payment by the developer. A limited list of acceptable non-standard
alternatives can be provided by Nottinghamshire County Council. Conservation Area status
does not establish a pre-requisite for period style lighting.
Lighting in areas of special interest (Market Squares, Town Centres, open areas, precincts
etc) shall be designed in accordance with the relevant parts of BS 5489 and in consultation
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
Page 15
with other interested parties. Consideration shall be given to use of specially designed
columns to carry banners, hanging baskets etc.
Consideration must be given to the night-time environment and the daytime aesthetics.
Guides to lighting in areas of sensitivity are available titled Road Lighting and the
Environment (HA) and Lighting the Environment (CIBSE & ILE).
Lighting in Conservation Areas etc shall be High Pressure Sodium, LED or White light as
appropriate.
4.16 Specific Lighting Requirements (Maintenance)
The County Council aims to have, at any one time, at least 98.6% of the lighting population
in correct working order.
High pressure sodium lamps shall be changed after 24000 hours of operation (six-year
maintenance cycle). Low pressure sodium lamps shall be changed after 16000 hours of
operation (four year maintenance cycle).
A visual inspection shall be carried out at the same time as the lamp change, together with
the cleaning of the base compartment to ensure all connections are secure, and that the
equipment is free from grime/corrosion etc. All moving parts shall be lubricated/greased to
ensure free movement.
All lighting positions reported as defective, shall be repaired and returned to full operation
within 7 calendar days of receipt of the defect (noting that achievement of this in some
cases will be dependent on the co-operation and performance of the host electricity supply
companies and their contractors).
4.17 Obtaining a power supply from a lighting column or lit sign.
Any street lighting point shall not be used for temporary or permanent connection for any
other apparatus unless the County Council authorises this and a separate contract for the
supply of energy and its payment from the electricity supply company is in place.
For any other purpose, a request should be made to the appropriate electricity company for
a separate metered supply.
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
Page 16
5.0 Improvement
5.1 Passively safe lighting columns and associated equipment
At present there is a moratorium on the use of passively safe equipment (except for the trial
sites installed in 2008). The only other case where an exception will be permitted as at last
resort is where a specific accident reduction benefit is identified by AIU, based on FYRR or
where a safety audit has identified significant risks.
5.2
Lighting Requests
Due to the increasing energy costs and the reducing maintenance budgets there is a
presumption that new lighting will not be installed unless it is justified on safety grounds. All
requests which may satisfy the criteria should be submitted to the Accident Investigation
Unit for assessment.
6.0 Maintenance
As part of NCC’s best practice guidelines for the repair of lighting faults the requirements of
BV215 A & B will be followed
6.1 Maintenance Routines
A bulk clean and change programme is undertaken by the County Council. Lamps in new
lighting units installed more than 12 months prior to a bulk clean and change of the
immediate area should be included in the appropriate group lamp replacement programme.
The Authority’s asset management system should allow lamps replaced in the last 12
months to be identified so they are not replaced as part of the group replacement
programme.
6.2 Decommissioning equipment
The disposal of lamps should be carried out using purpose designed equipment which
restrict the discharge of dangerous gases and particles and reduce the potential for
explosions. All waste should only be disposed of in waste disposal sites registered for that
type of waste. [see Well-lit highways, Appendix H – lamp disposal legislation for more
detail]
Lighting columns, control gear and old luminaires contain metals such as aluminium,
copper and stainless steel and these items should be recovered and recycled. Plastic
bodies of luminaries may also be ground down and recovered for other plastic products.
Concrete columns can be crushed and used as aggregate.
In all cases disposal of materials shall conform with the COSHH and WEEE regulations
specific to the material being disposed of.
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
Page 17
6.3 Painting of steel lighting columns and feeder pillars
New lighting columns do not need painting, there is currently no programme for carrying out
re-painting as part of the standard maintenance programme. Requests could be considered
where funding is provided via alternative budgets on existed painted columns.
New steel lighting columns outside of sensitive areas (conservation areas, town centres
and the like) should not be painted but can be left in their manufactured hot dipped
galvanised finish to BS EN ISO 1461.
7.0 Attachments
In certain areas for example town centres, new lighting columns shall be designed to take
additional loading such that additional items can safely be carried but only where they are
either currently used or it is anticipated that they will be used to carry significant
attachments such as seasonal decorations or hanging baskets.
Attachments must be authorised and licensed by the Authority prior to their erection which
will be subject to certain conditions.
Any damage to the protective surface of the column resulting from the installation of any
item to the column must be made good at the licensee’s expense and immediately after the
removal of the apparatus. Any unauthorised attachments will be removed by the County
Council and any associated costs may be recharged to the owners of the attachments.
7.1 Signs, banners and bins
Non-illuminated highway signs up to 0.3m², temporary or permanent are usually permitted
on lighting columns. The structural integrity of existing units may be compromised with
additional attachments therefore no more than one sign is allowed per column (as per
Highway Network Management Plan). Where it is proposed to exceed the design capacity
specified for a column, the structural safety of this proposal must be assessed in advance
and in writing by a competent person. Checks must also be made to ensure that the
column is in good condition. Columns must not be used as the second leg of a sign
(whether illuminated or not) requiring a second post, as experience has shown that this had
caused significant damage over time to existing columns.
Banners for advertising and other such purposes which can be attached to lighting columns
are considered to create clutter in the roadside environment and be a distraction to road
users. In most cases therefore, they will not be permitted in the highway. Exceptions may
be occasionally made at the Highway Managers discretion relating to Community Events on
low speed highways where risk is low. If banners are permitted they should be of a porous
material to reduce windage on the column. The base of a banner must be placed at a
height of at least 3m if positioned over a footway and 5.3m over a carriageway.
Application forms for the installation of banners are available via the County Council
website.
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Litter bins may be attached to lighting columns where the column is in sound condition and
has no other significant attachments. Only non-ferrous fix bands/and or brackets shall be
used. The County Council must be indemnified against any third party claim which may
arise and an approved contractor must be used. Any litter bins attached to columns must
have approval and installed using appropriate fixing which will not damage the column or
prevent its maintenance.
Bins for dog excrement shall not be attached to lighting columns.
Neighbourhood Watch and No Cold Calling signs: Neighbourhood Watch or No Cold Calling
signs will only be permitted on street lighting columns which are in good condition and where
they present no safety risk to the travelling public.
The sign must not be greater than 0.3 square metres in area and the street lighting column is to
have no other existing attachments (i.e. no more than one sign at any one time).
The local Highways Manager must approve the position of the signs, which may only be
erected by Nottinghamshire County Council. Neighbourhood Watch signs remain the property
and maintenance responsibility of the Police, District Council or local neighbourhood watch
group. The costs of erecting Neighbourhood Watch signs will be paid for by the Police or the
District Council.
No Cold Calling Signs remain the property of the County Council. The costs of provision,
erection/removal and maintenance will be paid for by the County Council’s Trading Standards
Section.
7.2 Christmas/Seasonal decorations
The ILE’s Code of Practice for the Installation, Operation and Removal of Seasonal
Decorations shall be used for guidance.
No banner or catenary wire shall be permitted to be erected between two street lighting
columns. Seasonal decorations must not hinder the normal maintenance of the highway
structure concerned. Power supplies to seasonal decorations should not be derived from
adjacent buildings, but from within the street lighting column acting as the support. (This is
to avoid instances of connection to private supplies, over which the Highway Authority has
no control). The body responsible for the installation/connection of the decorative lighting
shall, separately, contract with an electricity supply company for the supply of energy and
payment thereof.
Promoters shall use Nottinghamshire County Council ‘Application Pack’ for Seasonal
Decorations which gives detailed guidance for Promoters on how to make an application in
accordance to obtain a Section 178 licence for consent to install their equipment in the
public highway. This application form is available on the County Council website:
http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/travelling/roads/obtaining-licences-andpermits/seasonal-decorations/. The licence consent must be gained by the Promoter prior
to their works starting in the highway. Further details can be found in the Highway Network
Management Plan.
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
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7.3 CCTV
Requests shall come to the highway authority through the Crime and Disorder Reduction
Partnerships –CDRP’s (at the District Authorities) who shall give first consideration as to
whether such equipment is an appropriate course of action. If the CDRP’s do consider the
equipment appropriate to address a particular issue, they shall forward the application to
the highway authority who will then consider it from a highway perspective.
The policy is included within the current Highway Network Management Plan (section
5.12.29 page 269 - 273, Application form in Appendix 20 p275).
Applications will be considered by the highway authority for both temporary and permanent
installations:
•
A temporary installation is one where CCTV equipment is fixed to a highway
lighting column for a maximum time period of 3 months to target crime and antisocial behaviour as required.
•
A permanent installation (i.e. longer than 3 months) is one which is located in an
agreed location on a purpose built post (not a lighting column).
7.4 Radar, ANPR and other electronic Equipment
Anyone wishing to install radar, anpr or other electronic equipment must apply for a Section
178 licence using the application form available via the County Council website.
Radar, anpr or other electronic equipment with a cross-sectional area less than 0.3m² can
only be attached to the shaft of steel lighting columns which are inspected as being in good
condition and without other significant attachments. The inspection will also determine
whether there is sufficient space in the column to provide a sub circuit for the proposed
equipment. Inspection costs can be recharged to the applicant at the discretion of the
Authority. Non-ferrous fix bands/brackets are to be used and the County Council must be
indemnified against any third party claim which may arise and an approved contractor must
be used. Radar, anpr or other electronic equipment must not hinder the normal
maintenance of the highway structure concerned.
Maintenance of the radar, anpr or other electronic equipment once in place is the
responsibility of the licencee and they must have public liability insurance.
Any equipment connected to the column must have an Elexon code to allow connection to
the unmetered supply. The energy costs will be the responsibility of the equipment owner
and paid annually to Nottinghamshire County Council.
The provision of the power supply to the equipment will be undertaken by Nottinghamshire
County Council at the expense of the promoter and the power will be via a ‘blue plug’
mounted at the appropriate agreed height. This will remove the need for the promoter of the
equipment from entering our lighting column.
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7.5 Hanging baskets
Anyone wishing to install hanging baskets must apply for a Section 178 licence using the
application form available via the County Council website.
Hanging flower baskets with a cross-sectional area less than 0.3m² can only be attached to
the shaft of steel lighting columns which are inspected as being in good condition and
without other significant attachments. Inspection costs can be recharged to the applicant at
the discretion of the Authority. They must be attached at a minimum height of 2.1m or 2.3m
if adjacent to cycle routes or where cycling is permitted. Non-ferrous fix bands/brackets are
to be used and the County Council be indemnified against any third party claim which may
arise and an approved contractor must be used. Hanging baskets must not hinder the
normal maintenance of the highway structure concerned.
Maintenance of the baskets once in place is the responsibility of the licencee and they must
have public liability insurance covering the baskets during their installation period.
Any other hanging basket proposals (e.g. for fixing to concrete columns or for baskets
>0.3m²) are not acceptable.
7.6 Anti-vandal measures
A moratorium exists on the use of anti-vandal paint, grease and climbing spikes. Requests
will not normally be authorised by this Authority, except for in exceptional cases. Where the
request has been received from a third party, the measures can only be considered if there
was strong supporting evidence for need. If there is strong evidence of columns being
continually used to access a private property which is supported by the Police then the
County Council may consider installing such measures.
8.0 Monitoring
8.1 Inspections
8.1.1 Night Inspections on A & B Routes and Accident Lighting Scheme
All lighting on A & B Routes and Accident Lighting Scheme within the County shall
be inspected in the hours of darkness will be scheduled in accordance with available
funding to formulate a report of lighting not in operation.
8.1.2 Electrical Inspections
Under the conditions of the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) all lighting
positions and street furniture, electrical operated, shall be inspected at a maximum of
every six years.
The relevant tests shall be carried out and records of test results shall be kept for
comparison at the next test date.
If, for any reason, the electrical equipment fails to comply with the Electricity at Work
Regulations (1989) then remedial work shall be carried out.
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8.2 Performance Indicators
From the night inspection reports and reports of failure from other sources, performance
indicators will be calculated. The PIs will be collated quarterly to compare performance of
all the areas and to satisfy national and local reporting requirements. BV215 will be adopted
as the criteria for measuring the performance of the repairs to street lights.
8.3 Inventory
Confirm is NCC’s Highway Asset Managements System (HAMS). It’s a computerised
database used to maintain all electrical equipment on the highway. From the information
entered on to HAMS a charge code is created for each piece of equipment and payment
made to the distributor for energy used.
An energy submission is sent through to the distributor each month and invoices raised
accordingly.
It is therefore essential that the system is updated regularly to ensure NCC is charged the
right amount based on what equipment is actually installed. The lighting inspectors rely on
‘as built’ drawings and test certificates to be sent back on completion of any works
Lighting Inspectors should refer to the design drawings and key fields documents with
regard to completing the HAMS system. If you do not have access to this document then
please speak to the Lighting Department.
Audits are carried out by the electrical distributor to check equipment on the highway and
relevant penalties will be given if we are incorrectly declaring our usage.
The inventory is used to identify future capital replacement schemes, energy saving
schemes, dimming, electrical testing and lamp clean and change programmes therefore all
the relevant fields need regularly checked and updating.
8.3.1 The Asset Management register include:
• street lighting
• illuminated and non-illuminated traffic signs
• illuminated traffic bollards
• feeder pillars
• highway power supplies including cables, joints & other components
• electrical connections on lighting columns for festive decorations
• Interactive speed signs or School safety signs
• speed cameras
8.4 Structural Inspections
To reduce the risk to the public from falling debris or items of highway electrical equipment,
regular visual inspection of all items of highway electrical equipment are carried out as a
structural inspection.
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A visual inspection of the structural condition of the column or sign post is carried out at
each cyclic maintenance visit. In addition to this there is a programme of hammer testing
along with a condition survey to provide TR22 data.
Each time a lighting column is removed from service the opportunity is taken to inspect and
analyse its condition and this information can be used to help develop further inspection
and testing programmes. This condition data is used to develop future maintenance
programmes.
Additional non-destructive testing, such as ultra-sonic testing or dynamic testing may be
used to ensure the structural integrity of lighting columns and sign posts vested in the
Council. This testing may be arranged to verify the condition of columns following a visual
inspection where there are concerns or where an additional attachment may be needed.
Nottinghamshire County Council – Street Lighting Code of Practice – Sept 2014
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Appendix A
LIST OF CONTACTS FOR STREET LIGHTING MAINTENANCE
DISTRICT
Ashfield
CONTACT
District Manager – Dave Walker
(0115) 9774663
Housing/Parks/Recreation & District Ashfield District Council
Council owned areas
(01623) 450 000
Bassetlaw
District Manager – Ian Parker
(01623) 520726
Housing/Parks/Recreation & District Bassetlaw District Council
Council owned areas
01909 533533
Broxtowe
District Manager – Dave Walker
(0115) 9774663
Housing/Parks/Recreation & District Broxtowe Borough Council
Council owned areas
(0115) 917 3046
Gedling
District Manager–Eamonn Harrison
(0115) 9773961
Housing/Parks/Recreation & District Gedling Borough Council –
Council owned areas
(0115) 9013901
Mansfield
District Manager – Kendra Hourd
((0115) 9772127
Housing/Parks/Recreation & District Mansfield District Council
Council owned areas
(01623) 463 463
Newark & Sherwood
District Manager – Jo Horton
(01623) 520742
Housing/Parks/Recreation & District Newark District Council
Council owned areas
(01636) 650000
Rushcliffe
District Manager – Kendra Hourd
(0115) 9772127
Housing/Parks/Recreation & District Rushcliffe Borough Council
Council owned areas
(0115) 9819911
NCC Street lighting design team
(0115) 9773362
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Appendix B
Street Lighting Specification
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