Road name; the column reference number (which is painted on its side); the name or number of the property the columns is positioned outside of; any further information on the type of fault. This information will greatly assist in the identification of a fault and speed up the repair process.

No, generally only lights on the adopted highway are maintained by the county council although district, town or parish councils can (and do) own some lights on the highway. Lights on private roads, public areas and unfinished developments are owned by the landlord and they remain responsible for the repair and maintenance of such equipment.

Illuminated traffic signs and bollards are maintained by the same contractor as Street Lighting, any faults can be reported on the 0800 068 4145 number. Non-illuminated signs are maintained by a separate process and should be reported using 01305 221000.

Details of the proposed schedule of lighting replacements can be found on the SSEC website. The site provides details of this year's programme.

The county council have entered into a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract with Scottish and Southern Electric Contracting (SSEC).  This includes for the replacement of about 70% of the street lighting columns (24,000) within the first five years of the contract.

Major renewal work started in the Weymouth and Portland areas where the need for replacement was high priority due to corrosion caused by the maritime environment.

The street lighting is being enhanced to the latest British Standard, contributing to Dorset County Council's key objectives of improving road safety during the hours of darkness and reducing crime and the fear of crime, while enhancing the environment and quality of life for residents and visitors. SSEC is replacing all street lighting infrastructure which is beyond its design life, ensuring the long-term structural integrity and electrical safety of the apparatus. The new units will reduce light pollution, helping to protect the unique local environment and are more energy efficient.

The existing lighting system in your street probably dates from the 1970's, when lighting standards and environmental pollution were optional considerations. To comply with current lighting levels and the council's environmental policy on lighting it is necessary to adjust the spacing between existing lights, usually so that they're slightly closer together. This enables the required standard to be reached (a project aim) while reducing upward and spilled light to a minimum.

This is due to modern lanterns fitted to the new columns which emit a white light (in residential roads) and is far better controlled than the old lights. Existing street lights had to compensate for their pool lighting control by using higher powered lamps, hence they over lit in some areas to achieve a minimum level elsewhere. The new lights achieve a more even lighting level throughout but the white light source can appear to be brighter to the eye. The lamps can also be brighter when first installed but will settle in a few weeks to a lower level.

Because the project had to be affordable to the council, and central government would not contribute to enhancements of the existing stock, only a like-for-like replacement program could be considered. SSEC consult with local councils and interest groups long before the construction program starts, if one of these groups wishes heritage units to be used instead of the standard units then this can be accommodated but only if the additional cost is met by that group. If construction is about to begin, with standard units specified, then your local council has already decided that heritage units are either not essential or are unaffordable.

No. The scope of the project was to bring the existing stock to an acceptable standard and was not intended to light any additional areas. If you road currently has lighting, but the levels are inadequate, then this will be improved with extra columns added if necessary.