North Holland province dims street lights earlier

The public street lighting along provincial roads in North Holland will be completely equipped with LED lamps next year. To save energy, the lights will be dimmed more often and earlier in the evening and at night. According to the province, this is better for people, animals and plants and does not endanger traffic safety.

The province is replacing all bulbs in public street lighting with LED bulbs. Half of the bulbs have already been replaced earlier; the rest are scheduled to follow in 2025. The LED lamps use half as much energy as traditional lighting. The LED lamps also last 20 years: 4 times longer than the old lamps. Simultaneously with the replacement, the lamps will be set so that they dim more often and sooner. The previously replaced LED lamps are reset during regular maintenance. This provides additional energy savings of 14%. The investment in LED lamps is recouped within 10 years.

Light nuisance

Too much light at night disrupts the natural rhythms of people, plants and animals. Therefore, the province chooses to light only the roads where it is necessary for traffic safety. This is particularly on busy roads and around intersections. At night when there is less traffic, the light is dimmed. The new LED lights will have a warmer light color than before. Bat-friendly lighting is also used at locations where many bats fly. A less white light color results in less nuisance for people and animals.

The modified lighting helps achieve the North Holland province's goals for climate and wildlife protection.