Stela LED street lights are helping improve the problem of light pollution in UK cities

(07/12/2009)

The BBC 1 Inside Out programme has featured Stela LED street lights from WRTL Exterior Lighting. The programme explored the issues caused in part by sodium and mercury street lights and powerful floodlighting, which prevent populations living close to cities from seeing the stars.

The London region show included an interview with Eddie Henry, Operations Manager with Southwark Council. Eddie explained to leading astronomer Dr Chris Riley how Stela LED street lights are helping improve the problem of light pollution in UK cities.

Eddie demonstrated how Stela LED street lights ensure that energy-efficient, carbon-friendly light is accurately distributed by showing an installation in the capital’s Burgess Park where he described Stela as: “Cutting-edge, state-of-the-art, and right up to the minute.”

The Campaign for Dark Skies (CfDS), who presented a Good Lighting Award for to WRTL for their Midlands M6 Toll Road lighting scheme, is run by the British Astronomical Association (BAA), the UK's largest body representing the interests of all those who appreciate the beauty of the night sky and value it as a natural resource.

They state that: “The starry sky is a site of special scientific interest and an area of outstanding natural beauty: if it can be seen. Light pollution is caused by careless lighting, which floods our skies with the orange glow of street lighting and floodlights.”

Stela luminaires are proven to lessen light pollution, reduce carbon emissions by up to 68% compared to traditional solutions and provide high energy savings without the need to dim or switch off during the night, resulting in safer streets.

Related categories:  Energy efficiency   Luminaires and light fixtures