Philly’s new energy-saving LED street lights may reduce crime and fatal crashes. But what about light pollution?
It also includes clearing alleyways for new installations and prioritizing local, minority, and women-owned businesses for contracts. Beyond energy savings, the project focuses on enhancing safety in areas with high gun violence and road fatalities by improving lighting.The selected LED lights for Philadelphia will be more durable and energy-efficient than the traditional high-pressure sodium lights, offering a cooler, brighter color than the familiar orange glow.
LEDs can be connected to a smart lighting management system to have more control over lighting. Philly’s existing lights cannot.Studies indicate that street lighting can lower certain crimes but not violent crime.
Philly’s street light upgrade is a good start, say light pollution educators, but there’s always more to be done.