University City MO - Street Light Audit Report

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STREET LIGHT AUDIT 1. I NTRODUCTION Street lighting can have many purposes; but most importantly it is an effective tool in helping provide a safer night driving environment. Numerous before and after night roadway lighting helps prevent accidents and that the benefits far exceed the cost. It should be remembered that typically street lighting is to assist the motor area being illuminated is of secondary benefit. The amount of street light preferred by residents can vary greatly. Some neighborhoods feel safe and semi- rural, and illumination would only serve to annoy residents unle then, specific drop-offs or other roadside hazards might better be highlighted throuf simple reflectors rather than an elaborate street lighting program. In the entire neighborhood illuminated. Often in areas that seem more crime-prone, residents want more and more lighting. In fact, uniformity is much more important than brightness. The high light level can cause g amount of light increases perception of safety. Also the distrib increase perception of safety in business districts. Research isn't definitive on whether very high levels street lighting actually deter crime, one can find results to su Currently University City pays approximately $650,000 annually in street light costs. These street lights account for over 2,400,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year. This equates to approximately 2000 metric tons of CO emissions per year (Grow, 2008), driving approximately 1400 cars per year, and using 2 62,000 gallons of oil per year. This street lighting study was performed for three main reasons; located in University City, second to provide energy/cost savingtions associated with providing street lighting, and third to develop a new street light policy for tod-to better reflect the state of the art of new lighting understanding, technology and energy efficiency. 6 Page