New LED streetlights could save local authorities millions of pounds a year and help reduce their carbon footprint.

Brent Council announced this week that the installation of 21,000 new lamps across the borough will cut costs by £850,000.

This is the most across London’s 32 boroughs, and its environmental team believes councils across the country should push for as many LED lights as possible.

Cllr Krupa Sheth, responsible for the environment at Brent Council, said: “By 2030 we will have saved over £9 million by installing LED street lights in Brent.

“Our street lighting programme is an important part of our work to make Brent safer, cleaner and greener.”

She added that these savings are particularly important in the face of government cuts to central funding – the introduction of LED lights form part of Brent Council’s latest budget, which requires £26 million worth of savings over the next two years.

As well as the financial benefits, the council pointed out that the lamps’ carbon emissions will be slashed by 62 per cent a year.

It added that the new lights are “more clearly focused on brightening pavements and roads, with a natural white light to improve road safety and visibility for residents and visitors”.

This, however, has been disputed by those who have seen the lights spring up across the borough.

Several residents have complained about the lights’ lack of brightness and say they feel unsafe walking down some streets at night.

Others suggested the opposite – that the new white lights are too bright for those living close by to them.

Councillors have asked concerned residents to email them to discuss any issues.