Turning street lights off at night has been a significant issue for local authorities looking to save money and members of the public concerned about their safety when walking late at night. Now though, a specialist lighting company says it has the answer – solar-powered pedestrian street lights.

Procure Direct, which supplies the INVO brand of solar-powered LED lights, says its newest product – the Athena pedestrian solar street light – is the ideal solution for councils seeking to cut energy bills and worried walkers taking an after-dark stroll.

The Athena light does not require electricity to run, so there are no costly cables to install, and as it only comes on when movement is detected, it will appeal to communities seeking to minimise light pollution at the same time as offering peace of mind to those out at night.

Spencer Coffin, director of Procure Direct, believes the new light could be incredibly popular in several sectors. “We can see local authorities, housing developers, holiday parks, large industrial estate developers, supermarkets and retail parks being very interested in this new light,” he says. “It is cheaper to install than traditional street lighting and as it is solar-powered, there are no running costs. It is attractive and has a range of class-leading features such as 360-degree lighting and movement detection, a long life span and IP65 waterproofing, making it ideal for use in the UK.

“We are based in Lincoln, and there has been considerable media coverage of the city council’s need to reduce the cost of street lighting and the fears of local people who have to walk home from a night out or end of a work shift in the dark. Solar-powered street lighting is the ideal solution.”

Powered by a LifePO4 Battery, which offers up to 3,000 cycles, the Athena pedestrian solar street light can be supplied in a black or silver finish, with prices starting at just £341.

Established in 2005, Procure Direct designs, manufactures and installs LED lighting solutions across the private and public sector.

In the last 16 years, Procure Direct has worked with a wide range of clients, including Lincolnshire County Council, NPower, Mitie, Saint-Gobain and Kier and over 90 schools and Colleges.