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Solar Power For York Bus Shelters
Posted: 03/11/2006
York's bus shelters could be lit by solar power if a new pilot scheme proves successful. City of York Council and partners JCDecaux have installed solar lighting in four bus shelters in the city at the York Designer Outlet, Copmanthorpe, Cornlands Road and at the stop in Fulford Road/Alma Terrace.
The hi-tech system uses solar energy to charge battery grids, incoporated into the shelter, during daylight hours. The power is then used to light the shelters at night. As well as saving on the cost of electricity, each solar powered shelter saves over 23kg per year in CO2 emissions - helping to protect the environment.
The trial, if successful, is likely to be rolled out at bus shelters across the city as and when they are required. The scheme has cross-party support at the Guildhall. Coun Ann Reid, the council's city strategy chief, said: "I am really pleased that we are trialling solar panels in bus shelters. It will save us using electricity and it means we don't have to dig up roads to make connections. I am sure that if they prove successful they will be rolled out across the city as and when we need to. "They will also help us in terms of the environment as the power is gained through green methods."
Coun Andy D'Agorne, Green Party councillor for Fishergate, said: "I believe these types of shelters have been very successful on the south coast. "This is an excellent idea and will set a good example for other applications. I hope they are successful."
Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, Labour city strategy spokeswoman, said: "These are a great idea. The last time officers looked into various solar powered technologies, a few years ago, the costs were excessive. "This is a way forward and I welcome any such introduction which will help reduce the council's overall fuel bills."
Steve Carroll / The York Press
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