Streets could be gloomy for years

Most Hamilton streets are below new standards for lighting but residents concerned about the danger could be waiting several years before older suburbs are brought up to standard. Hamilton City Council is looking at upgrade options but, with the cost of installing 11 modern LED lights on one street being close to $25,000 and the council's current budget for light renewals being $395,000, a city-wide revamp could take years. This follows new research that says driving at night is almost three times more dangerous in New Zealand than in other developed countries because of our poor street lighting.