How LED Lighting Can Change the Way You Look at Your Home Town

You probably realise that in many ways, LED lighting is superior to its halogen and sodium-vapour counterparts. If you need reminding, we cover the many benefits of LED lighting elsewhere on this blog.

It was only a matter of time until the government started to see the potential of LEDs for street lighting. Back in January 2015, President Obama ordered that LED street lamps be fitted to lighting poles in streets across the US.

A similar thing is happening on this side Atlantic. In fact, local authorities across the UK are now fitting LED street lighting. This is due largely to the energy efficiency and longevity of LEDs, which in turn help local governments to save money.

After all, LEDs are around three times as efficient as sodium-vapour lights; the traditional night-time visual aid for those on roads or pavements in the dark. The newer form of lighting also has a predictable lifespan of up to 15 years.

But there are other reasons that LEDs are perfect for in use street lights…

LED lighting looks more natural

LED streetlights produce white light. This allows the human eye to pick out colours more easily and accurately. This makes it easier for drivers (and pedestrians) to see and recognise objects. It is thought that this may also help to reduce the number of accidents in the dark of night.

In addition, LED lights can be fitted with technology to dim (or brighten) lights according to the number of cars and pedestrians around.

In contrast, sodium-vapour lighting offers the worst rendering of any bulb. They produce an unpleasant yellowy glow. LED lighting is much more natural and offers reduced glare.  

More traditional forms of lighting are omni-directional. This is inefficient because at least 50% of the light emitted must be redirected; yet it is easy to direct LED light downwards onto the road. This reduces the amount of light directed into drivers’ eyes.

Provides protection from insects

LED lights are less attractive to nocturnal insects which are naturally drawn to traditional lighting. This is because LEDs do not emit as much ultraviolet light, the source of attraction for many creepy-crawlies. This in turn can help protect people from insect-borne diseases such as malaria.

In fact, technological advances ensure the mix of red, white and blue light in our Philips LED street lamps can be tuned to emit 20% fewer insects than standard LEDs.