This article was originally posted by the Inquirer on Feb. 22, 2024.
By Henry Savage.
Philadelphia has embarked on its largest energy conservation initiative to date, aiming to replace all old streetlights with new LED ones. The Philadelphia Streetlight Improvement Project will replace 130,000 high-pressure sodium streetlights found around the city with brighter, more energy-efficient, and longer-lasting LED lights. Studies indicate that street lighting can lower certain crimes but not violent crime. Research indicates that street lighting can lower nighttime pedestrian injuries and intersection crashes by about 40%. The Inquirer consulted with experts across fields to delve into the pros and cons of LED street lighting.