A set of solar-powered streetlights installed on a road in Urmston are some of the first of their type to be installed in the UK.

The five solar-powered streetlights on Woodbridge Road use 75 per cent less energy than the LED streetlights seen elsewhere.

They convert natural light to electrical energy which is stored in a battery, but there is an alternative source of electrical energy for when there is no natural light.

It comes as One Trafford, the partnership between the council and its contractor Amey PLC, looks to achieve energy efficiency in the fight against climate change.

Peter Mullen, streetlighting supervisor for the partnership, said: "We conducted a trial in our depot with one of the solar hybrid streetlights and it was successful – it never skipped a beat. The installation went to plan, and it is fantastic to see the lights shining over Woodbridge Road.

"We are always looking for the latest method to improve the energy efficiency of our streetlights and, with this in mind, work has started to trial a fully-solar streetlight with a [motion sensor] built into it. 

"As with the solar hybrid streetlights, we will trial one of these lights outside the depot with the view to putting some in the borough itself if successful. 

"These only come on when someone is within 15 feet of them meaning a huge amount of energy is saved which, in turn, improves our carbon footprint."

Other action taken in the area includes the addition of EVs to Trafford Council's fleet and the introduction of EV chargers across the area.

Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council's executive member for highways, environmental and traded services, said: "It is incredible our borough is one of the first in the country to have these solar hybrid streetlights in place and it reflects our commitment to our goal to be carbon neutral.

"What is great is we are not stopping here. We are already planning on trialling another type of streetlight which really shows how relentless we’re being in doing everything to make sure our streetlighting stock is as energy efficient as it can be."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.