Residents in Torquay will see new, energy-efficient LED street lights appearing across the area starting 20 April 2026, as part of a major infrastructure project led by Torbay Council. The initiative aims to upgrade outdated lighting, improve community safety, and reduce energy costs throughout the region.
The council is investing £2.26 million to replace 3,431 older-style sodium lights with modern LED units. This rollout begins in Torquay before expanding to Brixham and Paignton, with the entire project expected to be finished by the end of November 2026.
A key feature of this upgrade is the introduction of a new smart lighting control system provided by Telensa. This technology will allow the council to monitor street lights remotely and adjust brightness levels during times when fewer people are out, which helps reduce light pollution and supports local biodiversity. The system also enables faster identification of faults, leading to quicker repairs.
Beyond modernising the infrastructure, the council expects these changes to save more than 500 tonnes of carbon emissions annually and significantly cut energy costs. These financial savings will be reinvested into council services. The new lighting is also intended to complement the existing Street Focus: Torquay programme, which has already helped reduce anti-social behaviour in the area by 25 per cent.
This project is a core part of the Torbay Council Climate Change Action Plan 2024-2026. The council projects that the investment will pay for itself in energy savings within 12 years.
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