Solar Road Studs Could Slash Costs and Carbon Emissions, New Report Finds

A pioneering trial in East Yorkshire suggests that replacing traditional street lighting with solar-powered road studs and reflective markings could save councils millions of pounds each year and cut hundreds of thousands of tonnes of CO2—without compromising road safety.

The findings are set out in Right Lighting, Right Place, Right Time, a report from East Riding of Yorkshire Council as part of the Department for Transport and ADEPT’s £30 million Live Labs 2 programme. The study explored alternatives to conventional overhead streetlights, including Clearview Intelligence’s SolarLite road studs, which use built-in LEDs to provide consistent visibility in all weather conditions.

Unlike conventional reflective studs, which rely on car headlights to be effective, SolarLite technology emits its own light, allowing drivers to spot hazards, bends, and junctions up to 900 metres away. Previous studies have shown the system can reduce accidents by more than 70%.

No Negative Impact on Safety

During the Live Labs 2 trial, streetlights were switched off in certain areas and replaced with SolarLite studs and upgraded reflective lining paint. Monitoring revealed no increase in collisions or vehicle speeds, and feedback from road users was overwhelmingly positive.

Karl Rourke, East Riding’s service manager for street lighting, said the results could help reshape how roads are designed across the country:“We’re proud to have led this project, which shows local authorities can cut both costs and carbon emissions while maintaining road safety. It provides the evidence needed to think differently about lighting new and existing routes.”

Rethinking Road Illumination

The project sets out a framework for authorities considering cutting their lighting carbon footprint. Recommendations include:

• Only installing lighting where it’s genuinely necessary.

• Prioritising pedestrians and vulnerable road users rather than vehicles.

• Using electric-powered streetlighting as a last resort.

• Expanding the use of solar road studs such as SolarLite.

  
  

Clearview Intelligence’s Head of Business Development, Ralph Bates, added:“For years, councils have defaulted to installing rows of streetlights on every new road. This trial proves there’s a greener, more efficient way forward—with huge financial and environmental benefits.”

Part of a National Programme

Live Labs 2 is a nationwide initiative running until March 2026, followed by five years of extended monitoring and evaluation. Seven projects, delivered in partnership between councils, private firms, and universities, are focusing on four themes: decarbonisation, recycling, energy, and data-driven decision-making.

With early results from East Yorkshire showing that low-carbon solutions can work without undermining safety, campaigners believe more councils will now consider phasing out energy-hungry street lighting in favour of smarter, greener alternatives.