Surrey is set to become one of the first Canadian cities to embark a full changeover of street lighting to LED.

City councilors approved a five year implementation strategy earlier this month to replace 28,000 existing street lights with LED roadway lighting technology, starting with 7,100 street lamps in the Guildford and City Centre areas.

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“The move to convert our street lighting to LED is another example of Surrey being at the forefront of Smart Cities,” says Mayor Linda Hepner. “For motorists, cyclists and pedestrians the LED lights will enhance visibility and safety. LED lights also consume less power than the current sodium lights, which will result in significant cost savings to the City once the conversion is complete.”

Compared to normal “sodium” lights, LED lights reduce eyestrain and fatigue, and make it easier for road users to see pedestrians and signs.

“LED lights are more environmentally friendly as they consume less power and last times four times longer than sodium lights.” adds Councillor Mike Starchuk, Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee.

The street lighting upgrade is estimated to cost the city $11,000,000. The high efficiency and life expectancy of the LED lights is estimated to save the city $1,000,000 in annual power