An energy saving trial involving dimming or switching off street lights in Poole is to be considered by councillors.

Members of Poole council’s transport advisory group will on Thursday look at options for a six-month trial.

They will debate the dimming or selected turning off of street lighting to reduce the levels, or a part night-time switch off, between midnight and 6am.

The council will consult residents, councillors and the police to identify suitable sites for a trial, from October to March, should members agree. Trial areas chosen would be those without major road junctions or high pedestrian use. Factors including community safety would be considered and residential areas would need to have relatively low crime levels.

Papers going before members reveal sections of Holes Bay Road as possible sites for a trial, while a crime level map shows the lowest wards include Broadstone, Merley and Bearwood, Branksome East and Hamworthy East.

“A reduction of street lighting could significantly cut the council’s carbon emissions and offer savings on its energy costs,” said Julian McLaughlin, head of transportation services. “However, the implications need to be assessed and a trial and canvassing public opinion is essential. If approved in principle, a trial would only be held in selected small areas following subsequent consultation with local residents and councillors.

“The results of a trial would need to be carefully considered before any decision was made on a long-term strategy.”

More than 18,000 street lights in Poole produce 5,500 tons of carbon dioxide a year at an annual cost of around £800,000.

The council has set a target to reduce its carbon emissions by 25 per cent by 2013.

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