6 INDUSTRY ROUND-UP


DECEMBER 2013 Park wants LED revolution


The managing director of Digiland LED Lighting has called on more UK councils to replace their street lights with LEDs.


New York recently became the latest big city to replace its street lights with LEDs – all 250,000 of them – and Jaydee Park (pictured) would like more UK councils to follow the lead of American cities.


New York’s mayor announced the plans to replace all the city’s lights with LEDs by declaring the scheme would save taxpayers $14 million a year in energy and maintenance costs.


And yet many UK councils are still reluctant to follow suit because of worries about how to meet the upfront investment costs.


Park, who established Digiland LED Lighting in Telford earlier this year, believes the long-term benefi ts of LEDs are too good to ignore.


He said: “We are really keen to talk to councils and other organisations, such as car park operators, about how we can help them signifi cantly cut their energy bills. The LED revolution is in full swing in the US and we


www.highwaysmagazine.co.uk


Investment in roads will create almost


10,000 jobs Transport Minister Robert Goodwill has announced that almost 10,000 construction jobs will be created next year as a result of more than £1.9 billion of investment in Britain’s roads.


seem to be lagging behind a bit in the UK, although it is now starting to gather steam.


“Using LEDs to light streets, car parks and other public areas like parks not only saves energy but also provides a better quality of light too. That can improve safety and make them more pleasant places for people to enjoy.”


Digiland is currently in discussion with a number of councils about the fi nance options available to them, as it is possible that no initial investment is required with support from the Carbon Trust.


Park added: “We know that councils are on very tight budgets, but if they get a guaranteed loan with the Carbon Trust they can pay it back with what they save on their energy bill each month.”


Councils stockpiling salt in preparation for winter


Councils are stockpiling more salt in preparation for this year’s winter, according to the latest fi gures from highways bosses.


A Local Government Association survey of councils across England and Wales estimates an increase on the 1.3 million tonnes of salt stockpiled in depots in 2012.


The survey fi nds that 95% of councils are either maintaining or increasing stock levels this winter, with around half also planning to work alongside neighbouring councils to share equipment and salt.


Councils are also embracing innovative methods of tackling winter weather with 82% using GPS trackers on their gritters this year and others using liquid de-icers, brine and sugar-coated salt –


less likely to be blown off roads by wind or traffi c.


Cllr Peter Box, chair of the LGA’s economy and transport board, said: “Despite tough fi nancial times, councils are investing in new gritting equipment, exploring innovative techniques to tackle snow and frost and working alongside neighbouring councils and community groups.”


The total investment in 209 schemes is £4.3 billion, £1.9 billion of which will be spent in 2014 alone – more than twice the amount spent in 2013.


These road programmes – which will either start or be completed in 2014 – are estimated to boost the economy by over £18.8bn and are part of a £100bn package of investment in Britain’s infrastructure over the next seven years; the largest programme of investment since the 1970s.


The roads programme is just one part of the government’s drive to prioritise investment in projects that provide an economic boost, and will help create a high-performance road network that can cope with the expected 43% increase in traffi c by 2040.


Goodwill (pictured above) said: “Roads are the lifeblood that keeps our economy going – they create jobs and help get products to markets. This government is committed to delivering the modern infrastructure we need to compete in the global race, investing across the board to cut congestion and reduce journey times in roads, rail and local transport.”


Over half of the 209 schemes are due for completion next year. This will be followed in 2015 by an even larger programme of improvement and investment on major roads, with spending rising to £3bn a year by 2020.


The government’s £28bn commitment as part of the 2013 Spending Review will deliver extra capacity to the UK’s busiest motorways, along with 52 major road projects funded and delivered between this parliament and 2020/21.


Commercial Secretary to the Treasury Lord Deighton added:


“We’re prioritising the projects that will drive forward growth and next year 10,000 jobs will be created as a result, proving that this vital investment will bring benefi ts to people across the country.”


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