More than 750 traffic signals across Liverpool City Region will be upgraded in a new £8.3m project which will save money and reduce energy usage across the local road network.

Agreed by Mayor Rotheram and the Combined Authority, the programme of works will see existing halogen traffic signals upgraded to LED technology which is more reliable and cost-effective.

Replacing the current signals is set to reduce energy usage and cut costs by around 75% – with estimates that the upgraded traffic signals will reduce carbon emissions by1300 tonnes and save around £400,000 a year.

Mobility tech company Yunex Traffic – who are also installing pollution sensors across the city region – have been appointed to undertake the project following a competitive tendering process.

The low maintenance, long-life, energy-efficient LED signals will provide improved visibility in all weather and lighting conditions.

Across the city region, the programme will see the upgrading of over 9,000 signal aspects – including  2,400 pedestrian crossing wait indicators.

Cllr Liam Robinson, transport portfolio holder for Liverpool City Region said:

“As we push forward with our plans for recovery, ensuring that we have the right transport infrastructure to drive prosperity for everyone in the Liverpool City Region is absolutely vital, and our road network is a key part of that. 

“But faced with climate emergency and public health crises we also need to make sure that we are tackling the carbon emissions which are destroying our environment as well as poor air quality which impacts the health of people across our city region.” 

“That’s why technology like this, which will help to reduce carbon output – as well as making important cost savings – is going to be so important as we work towards our goal of the Liverpool City Region becoming net zero carbon by 2040.” 

Wilke Reints, Managing Director of Yunex Traffic in the UK, said:

“We are dedicated to making cities better places to live, work and visit, improving safety and caring for our planet. Our retrofit solution will deliver significant carbon savings across the Liverpool City Region, with ongoing energy and cost savings that support environmental, economic and social sustainability.

“As the incumbent traffic signal maintenance provider for LCRCA, we have strong working relationships with all the individual authorities and a detailed understanding of their transport operations and networks. Our field services teams are now looking forward to working closely with colleagues in each Council to deliver this programme.”