STREET lights powered by LEDs which have transformed the visibility in a dark side street in Ramsey have made such a positive impact that they could eventually begin a revolution in the Isle of Man’s street lighting.
An experimental LED street light installed in Christian Street, off Parliament Street, has made such an impact that Ramsey Commissioners are now considering using them instead of traditional tungsten and sodium lights when replacements are required.
The new technology has also been welcomed by the MEA who said they are “very pleased” with the results.
The light has transformed the night time visibility in Christian Street - which runs from the Manx Co-operative store through Parliament Street and down to the Ramsey quay. Previously, there was no street lighting between the junction with Parliament Street and the quayside. The light has also been positioned to provide good visibility a long distance down Auckland Lane which runs off Christian Street.
“We were offered the LED street light as an experiment with an option to replace it with a traditional light if it wasn’t suitable,” said Steve Harrison, chief technical officer for Ramsey Commissioners.
“However, so far it has proved to be very successful and we have received a number of very favourable comments.”
He said that Christian Street used to have an old sodium street light on the opposite side of the road, but it disappeared when some demolition work was carried out a few years ago. “We have been considering another street light for some time and when the offer of a trial LED light came along we thought it was worth trying.
“We have also been told that the running costs of an LED street light are likely to be a lot lower than a traditional light and that the lifespan of an LED light is also expected to be a lot longer, so it looks like this is the future.
“However, when we consider replacing other street lights in Ramsey in the future we will be looking at putting in a series together, rather than just the odd one here and there. Christian Street was ideal because it only needed one light. If we replace lights elsewhere then it would have to be in sections so that there is a uniformity of light which is a safety issue for drivers and pedestrians.”
A spokesman for the Ramsey Pet Centre in Parliament Street, which has a side entrance in Christian Street leading to its store room, said the new street light had made a huge difference. A spokesman said, “It’s amazing how much light comes from just one street light, and it’s also helped a young couple with a baby who live near the back of our shop. They were previously trying to find their way to their house through a very dark back lane, so it’s made a big difference to them too.”
MEA HSE services manager Karen Leslie said, “We are very pleased with the results and feedback from this installation and look forward to working with Ramsey Commissioners and other local authorities in the future to meet needs of the local community.”
The revolutionary LED street light for Ramsey was recommended following consultancy with Professional Lighting Design Ltd - a local company which provides independent consultancy advice to commercial and public organisations on all aspects of modern lighting. The LED light with 68 individual LEDs was supplied by local lighting company Luminaires.
The lantern is manufactured by one of the world’s leading experts in new technology lighting with LED street lighting one of its specialities. The company has installed extensive LED street lighting system in the UK and Europe which has received widespread acclaim.
Ralph Peake of Luminaires added, “We specialise in this exciting area of lighting technology and are proud to be able to bring this to the attention of the MEA. It is important to use a quality product for a street lantern and this particular product which offers great benefits now and for the island over the next twenty years. We are pleased to be the catalyst for change.”
