The council says it will move ahead with dimming new streetlights later this year, in a bid to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions.

Over half the city’s street lights have already been replaced with the new, dimmable type, and all of them will have been renewed by April 2015.

Output from dimmable lights will be cut by 25% until midnight, 50% between midnight and 5am and 25% between 5am and dawn.

Before approving the scheme, the council carried out demonstrations for community groups. Attendees apparently agreed “the change was not really noticeable” because of more effective ‘white’ light from the newer units – which is also said to be better for the elderly and those with visual problems.

“All went away happy when they saw first hand what the percentage change actually meant,” said Cllr Jacqui Rayment, cabinet member for communities and change. “We have a duty to ensure we are driving down costs, meeting our reduction in CO2 admissions with out compromising safety.”