Perth and Kinross Council has defended the decision to install unpopular new street lights but has apologised for a lack of communication on the matter.
The local authority is replacing traditional street lights with LED (light emitting diode) lamps as a cost-cutting and energy efficiency measure.
Several angry residents have contacted The Courier, complaining that the new lights have left many Perth streets too dark, with one man describing the move as “going back to the Dark Ages”.
Councillor John Flynn, one of the Perth City North representatives, has also raised concerns.
“The move is to achieve 70% savings,” he said. “However, it would be a real shame if there were to be an accident, or even fatality, as a result of the new lights.
“I have been told that there will be action taken on the lights in Rannoch Road, so at least that is a bit of progress.”
The local authority is standing by the decision to introduce the new lights.
In an email to various Perth councillors, Scott Denyer, a senior engineer with the council’s street lighting partnership, apologised that more had not been done to notify residents of the changes.
“The light output from an LED is more controlled, particularly in terms of reducing light intrusion,” he said.
“This means the light is concentrated more on the footway and carriageway, with less backspill on to adjacent gardens or buildings. I appreciate this may give the appearance of the street actually being darker than before.”
He continued: “It was always intended to carry out a review of the new lighting, which has now been carried out within the Letham area. This involved checking the design criteria had been met, recording light levels on-street, and undertaking site visits from a driver and pedestrian perspective.
“Lighting shall be increased on Rannoch Road, Newhouse Road, Letham Road and Unity Terrace.
“The alterations will take place during January. A review of the renewed lighting will also take place.”
The new lighting in Feus Road, Crieff Road, Burghmuir Road and Jeanfield Road is deemed “fit for purpose”.