guide4 min read

Help, I forgot to order my street lighting

Imagine moving into a new housing development only to find no exterior streetlights. This unfortunate scenario occurred a few years back in a Gateshead development, leaving residents in darkness for a staggering 14 months.

Such a situation not only poses a significant inconvenience but also presents real health and safety risks for families and the community as a whole. While it may seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of a new project, engaging street lighting manufacturers early on can prevent major disruptions and delays. Here we explore the consequences of leaving street lighting to the last minute and highlight possible solutions to ensure smooth and timely implementation.

Section 38 Agreements

One of the key factors in street lighting implementation is the involvement of local authorities through Section 38 Agreements. Failure to engage early and understand the council’s specifications for adoption can lead to delays and complications. Additionally, lighting designs and supplier lead times should be considered and planned into the complete project to avoid any unforeseen obstacles.

Unforeseen Costs

Leaving street lighting to the last minute can result in unforeseen costs that impact the overall budget and project timeline. Labour costs can increase due to the need for additional work to install the lights, and compensation may need to be provided to residents who have been inconvenienced. Moreover, design considerations for lighting and electrical systems might need to be reassessed, adding further expenses.

STATS Interruption

STATS (underground utilities i.e. gas, electricity, water, sewage, and telecoms) are often just where you want to put a lighting column! This can result in redesigns and specification changes. However, when unavoidable, cranked columns or bolt-on roots are non-standard features which although more costly and on longer lead times can provide a solution.

Rerouting services and dealing with DNOs can be time-consuming and costly. It may take up to 20 weeks to obtain permits and approvals from DNOs, causing significant delays in the project. Moreover, the need to reroute services can incur additional expenses and disruptions.

Bad for Contract Chain Relationships

Delays and hassles resulting from forgotten street lighting orders can damage relationships within the contract chain. Fines or damages may be imposed, negatively affecting the reputation of the project and the parties involved. Furthermore, such setbacks can have a lasting impact on future business opportunities.

Accidents/Damage on New Development Roads

An unlit new development can increase the risk of accidents and injuries, leading to potential claims against the contractor. Often on new build developments residents move in before the final road is laid, ironworks at this stage may be exposed and kerbs are much higher leading to a heightened risk of tripping injuries at night, which can cause further complications and legal disputes.

Disruption to New Residents

The absence of street lighting once new homeowners move in can disrupt parking arrangements, creating inconvenience and dissatisfaction among new residents. This negative experience can tarnish their perception of what should be their most significant purchase, potentially resulting in ill feelings and negative word-of-mouth.

Damage to Fresh Pathways and Roads

There will always be situations where early engagement isn’t always possible or street lighting slips to the bottom of the to-do list; in these cases, we offer a viable alternative to traditional street lighting:

The Solar Solution

Solar lighting offers numerous benefits, including being environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and easy to install. We provide a free design service for solar lighting systems, ensuring compliance with regulations and facilitating liaison with local authorities regarding Section 38 variations.

Our solar lighting systems offer:

  • A sustainable solution
  • An often cheaper and easy-to-install option
  • A quick turnaround time
  • No cabling
  • Free design service

With off-the-shelf availability for small quantities and a mere six-week lead time for large orders, our solar lighting solutions are more readily available and quicker than traditional options. Not to mention, our standalone solar solutions eliminate the need for costly cabling, reduce installation costs, enable speedier deployment, and remove the risk of patchwork reinstatement.

Looking for more than lighting?

If your project requires on-street electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, solar-powered systems may not be suitable. However, we do offer a comprehensive turnkey solution via our sister brand evpzee, designed to meet the demands of EV charging infrastructure. By leveraging our expertise and integrated approach, you can ensure seamless integration of street lighting and EV charging facilities, effectively addressing all your infrastructure needs.

Leaving street lighting to the last minute can be detrimental to your project, leading to significant disruptions, delays, and unforeseen costs in housing developments.

Engaging street lighting manufacturers early in the project is crucial to avoid these issues. However, if circumstances prevent early engagement, we offer solar-powered lighting solutions that provide a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative.


By embracing these innovative options, developers, local authorities, and facilities managers can ensure the smooth implementation of street lighting and mitigate potential setbacks, ultimately contributing to residents’ safety, convenience, and satisfaction with new build developments. Take a look at our range of solar-powered lighting solutions here.