Street Lights And Faults

Who owns and manages street lights?

Most street lighting in South Australia is owned and operated by SA Power Networks as a service to Councils and the State Government who both have responsibility for the provision of street lighting. Mount Barker District Council pays for the electricity used by public street lights (payment made to an energy retailer separately) and the operation and maintenance of street light infrastructure (payment made to SA Power Networks via lighting tariffs).

How do I report faulty street lights?

To report a street light not working or operating, you can visit the SAPN website and report the fault, or call 13 13 66.

How does new LED lighting compare to the old technology lighting?

The new lights being installed will be more energy efficient than existing lamps, require less maintenance and generate a warm to white light (around 3000 Kelvin). The white light generated from LEDs will vary from some existing street lights which can appear yellow (high pressure sodium) and amber (low pressure sodium). Another advantage of LED lights being installed will be less back spill into properties due to improved optics. Although street lights may appear to be brighter (as they are newly installed lights) they will be more efficient in spreading light more evenly along and across footpaths and roads. Visibility along the street will also be improved and look more natural.

Can I request new lighting/removal or shields?

Presently Council has no policy or resourcing allocation in place to resolve these types of requests. As mentioned previously, although street lights that have been upgraded to LED may appear to be brighter they will be more efficient in spreading light more evenly along and across footpaths and roads.

Please note that street lighting is excluded as a nuisance under the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016. See the local nuisance - light page for more information. Property owners are encouraged to manage the matter with soft furnishings or external fittings.

Preparation of a policy position is not currently a priority in relation to the development and investment in other asset programs.