The function of the Road Lighting Unit is to maintain the County's street lighting and illuminated traffic signs in a safe, operational condition in accordance with legislation and County Council's policies.

All street lighting columns are inspected once every two years. During the inspection the lights are checked for correct operation, electrical safety, structural safety and any minor defects are repaired. In addition, all lamps are renewed in order to reduce the number of defects over the subsequent two years.
If you would like to report a street lighting problem please use the online form below. Please note: steet lighting faults in Harrogate and Knaresborough should also be reported using the online form below.

Concrete column replacement programme 2010/11

North Yorkshire County Council are currently undergoing a major concrete column replacement programme. Old lamp posts with orange lighting will be removed and new steel columns will be installed with lanterns which emit a softer more golden light with improved colour rendering properties.

The existing concrete columns have reached the end of their useable life and must be replaced before they become unsafe. Much of the existing lighting is inefficient and unreliable, older lanterns spill light in all directions including up into the sky. The new lanterns direct all available light downwards onto the highway, minimising light pollution and helping to reduce traffic accidents and also reduce crime and the fear of crime.

Where possible columns are to be replaced one for one however in some locations it may be necessary for the columns to be relocated in order to comply with British Standards. Residents affected by new column positions will be consulted prior to the work commencing.

Locations of column replacements 2010/2011

Northallerton
Harrogate
Knaresborough
Scarborough
Skipton
Ripon
Kirkbymoorside
Thirsk
Selby
Riccall and Barlby
Sherburn in Elemet
Malton

Column renewal questionnaire

North Yorkshire County Council are currently undertaking a large-scale street lighting improvement project in various locations across North Yorkshire. In order for us to assess the impacts/benefits of the scheme on residents and to ensure that North Yorkshire County Council delivers the highest possible standard of service, we would be grateful if you could complete the online questionnaire by clicking the button below. The questionnaire should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.

Report a street light problem Use our online form to report a broken streetlight.