West Sussex County Council has completed a major upgrade of traffic signals across the county, replacing outdated halogen equipment with new LED technology that is expected to cut operating costs and carbon emissions for years to come.
The council says the modernisation will save an estimated £594,000 in running and maintenance costs over the life of the new equipment, while reducing carbon emissions by around 590 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
In total, 94 traffic signal sites have been overhauled. Each location now features new signal heads, push-button units, detectors for both vehicles and pedestrians, upgraded controller systems, and new poles and cabling to support the LED infrastructure. The council says the result is a safer, more efficient and more resilient network that will benefit road users countywide.
The three-year Halogen Replacement Programme was prompted by the fact that halogen bulbs are no longer manufactured, making replacement parts increasingly hard to source. LED units use 84 percent less energy than the old bulbs, offering long-term financial and environmental benefits.
As part of the £6.4 million programme, the council also upgraded pedestrian crossings with the latest puffin crossing detectors. Unlike older systems, puffin crossings monitor real-time use of the crossing, keeping traffic lights red while pedestrians remain on the road and turning them green as soon as the crossing is clear. Additional improvements were made to enhance accessibility, including resurfaced footways, new tactile paving, and refreshed road markings.
Councillor Joy Dennis, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport said: “This programme was never just about replacing lightbulbs. It’s a major investment in the future of our highways network and an important part of the council’s transport strategy to improve road safety and reduce congestion by helping traffic flow more efficiently.
“As well as improving safety, reliability and operational performance, the LED upgrade aligns with the council’s focus on achieving long-term value for public investment. It also supports the council's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan through forecast carbon savings.”
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