Hertfordshire County Council is set to change the way some Hitchin streetlights operate later this year, with certain lights switching off overnight to save energy and cut costs.

As part of a countywide update, 1,293 streetlights currently running all night will be reprogrammed to a "Part Night Light" schedule, turning off between 1am and 5am. The change will affect some roads in Hitchin, though lights at key locations such as junctions, traffic calming spots and other safety-critical areas will stay on all night. Most 20mph zones will move to part-night lighting.

The council says the update will save an estimated 8.6 tonnes of carbon and around £14,000 in energy costs each year. Work is planned for summer and autumn 2025, when longer daylight hours mean residents are less likely to notice the change.

"This is about using energy responsibly while keeping safety at the heart of what we do," said Stephen Giles-Medhurst, the county's Executive Member for Highways.

The changes will be made by simply reprogramming the existing lights, with no need for physical replacements, and are expected to take about a week to complete.