Residents in Rickmansworth say they cannot sleep after LED streetlights were installed in their road without notice.

The energy-saving lights in Uxbridge Road would be more fitting for Wembley Stadium, say locals.

They claim Hertfordshire County Council did not consult them before the lights were put in place on June 24.

Levi Palmer lives near the Ebury roundabout and Uxbridge Road zebra crossing, where they have installed five lights that are left on 24/7.

The 33-year-old, who has started a petition to have the lights dimmed, said: "The council did not consult us.

These new LED lighting systems cause an unnecessary excess of light on our evening residential streets and are disruptive to our personal living spaces and sleep habits and should be removed or dimmed.

"I can see where the council is coming from in an environmental aspect, but these lights would be better suited to Wembley stadium than our street. I can read a book in my room with no lights on now."

Mr Levi, who works in the fashion business, complained to the council and they put a filter on one of the lights near his house. He added: "It has made little difference, we need filters on all of the lights so they are less invasive.

"I don’t understand why they need so many. I have lived here for five years now and it is a great place to live. All of us are shocked by this instalment."

The county council said the lights, which were installed by Ringway, are part of a on-going commitment to maintain and improve roads across the county and benefit all road users.

They said the light is a different quality than the old streetlights and is designed to light only the road and footpath, minimising light pollution by directing the light to the specific areas where it is needed.

Another Uxbridge Road resident, Lucy Wojcik, said she was disappointed not to have been consulted.

The 45-year-old mother-of-four said: "We have recently bought our house and have spent a lot of money decorating it, so shouldn’t have to buy blinds to block out the ridiculous light.

"Yes, we brought a house on the main road so were expecting car lights, but nothing like this. The awful light shines directly into our bedrooms.

"They were installed over night with no word. We are now having to draw our curtains which is making the house more claustrophobic and warmer.

"We don’t get darkness anymore. I feel like the lights have been changed for changes sake."

The county council also said the new lights use much less energy, improve visibility and can be controlled and monitored centrally, which reduces costs.

Mike Bruce lives in Pheasants Way, where the council have installed lights. The 63-year-old chartered accountant said: "I think that the new lights are very good, but like most things, are not perfect.

"They do cast a light far too wide - into people's houses, where it is not wanted. Ideally they would have shrouds to concentrate the light onto the pavements, where it is needed.

"On the plus side, they use less electricity, and are therefore carbon friendly."

To view the petition, click here. 

If you are concerned about a particular LED streetlight, email ledherts@ringway.co.uk or report a fault by clicking here.