A NEW road lighting policy for Cumberland has been agreed by councillors.

Members of Cumberland Council's highways and transport strategic board met at Allerdale House in Workington on Thursday (October 24) to approve the move.

According to the council report, the management of street lighting is seen as an integral part of the management and maintenance of the highway infrastructure.

It states: "The council gives a high priority to ensuring safe and efficient maintenance of the existing highway network and recognises that this is critical to achieving the wider aims of the council."

The report concludes that street lighting contributes to the core objectives of safety, customer service, serviceability, and sustainability and the approval of the policy would ensure that existing and future lighting is managed effectively and efficiently which was why it had been recommended that the policy should be adopted.

The policy states that the council believes that well considered and maintained street lighting can contribute to creating a pleasant and interesting environment while making a positive contribution to:

  • Reducing night-time traffic collisions;
  • Helping reduce crime and fear of crime;
  • Providing a sense of security;
  • Improving the local economy;
  • Improving the night-time environment;
  • Encouraging walking and cycling after dark.