Edinburgh Council has said it could save up to £280,000 a year with the roll-out of new street lighting.

Following a successful pilot scheme last year, the decision was made to take the scheme throughout the capital. It is understood the initiative is to be discussed by the Transport and Environment Committee.

The new lamps, which make use of 'white light' technology, are designed to lower energy consumption as well as cut the Council's annual £2.97m bill to power more than 63,000 street lights across Edinburgh.

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The local authority has now secured a £2.15m loan from Salix, which is a Government-funding provider. This will allow an additional 6,000 street lights to be converted from LED from next month.

Vice Convener of Transport and Environment Councillor Jim Orr said: "The trials of this technology were a huge success and residents told us they liked the crisper, brighter light and thought it was better than the old kind of street lights.

"We're now looking at rolling white lighting across the city which will save millions in the long run as well as making Edinburgh look better. Obviously, these lights are also much more energy efficient which is all part of Edinburgh's sustainability journey and will provide a safer environment for citizens and visitors."

(JP/IT)