WILTSHIRE is becoming a darker place during the early hours after councillors decided to switch-off street lamps around the county to slash electricity bills and reduce the authority’s carbon footprint.

A major project is now underway to convert thousands of the street lights in towns, villages and outlying areas, so that some of them are off between midnight and 5.30am.

However, the authority has pledged that lights will remain on in all areas where it was felt that the programme would comprise safety, both in terms of traffic and in potential crime areas.

In a report to area committees, Peter Binley, head of highways asset management and commissioning, said: “The council needs to save money and reduce its carbon footprint by reducing energy usage.

“Rising energy costs, carbon tax and budget restraints make it necessary to change the way we light our streets.”

Mr Binley said that over the next few months lights which previously burned through the night would now be programmed to switch off for five-and-a-half hours from around midnight.

He went on: “Lights at junctions, pedestrian crossings and where required for safety will remain on all night.

“Lighting where there are CCTV systems, in the town centre, and in areas where crime is a problem will remain on and at normal lighting levels.”

The scheme was the subject of a major consultation in 2012 when the views of the public and organisations were invited before the council’s cabinet considered the matter.

The scheme has been operating successfully during a six month trial in Trowbridge and is now being rolled out in other towns during the summer.

Mr Binley said that a review of the scheme would be undertaken after six months to determine whether further changes were necessary, and the views of the town and parish councils would also be sought.

Work in on street lighting in and around Melksham, Westbury, Salisbury, Laverstock, and Wilton is ongoing throughout July with Warminster, Corsham, Chippenham, Bradford on Avon due to start in August.

In September the programme will be implemented in Calne, Malmesbury, Royal Wotton Bassett, Devizes, Marlborough and Amesbury.

Mr Binley added: “After the introduction of the scheme if there are locations where there are any serious safety issues, these will be considered and changes made as necessary.”