by political editor Paul Francis

As many as 5,000 streelights could be permanently removed from the county's roads in a bid to save cash and cut energy consumption.

A further 70,000 lights could be switched off for long periods during the twilight hours when they are not needed.

The radical options have been set out by county transport chiefs in a report that suggests the measures could cut Kent County Council’s energy bill by as much as 15% - a saving of about £765,000.

The council has 118,500 streetlights across the county and with energy prices on the rise, is looking at ways of curbing its annual bill of £5.1m.

It is also concerned that the costs will increase still further if, as expected, councils are forced to pay a levy on carbon emissions.

KCC is following in the footsteps of several other authorities but if it goes ahead with the proposals, will face concerns about the increased risk of crime and the likelihood of more accidents.

However, KCC says those fears are misplaced on the basis of trials conducted elsewhere and its aim is to target wasted lights and energy.

"Where streetlights have been dimmed or switched off, data shows that crashes and crime have not increased. There is a clear difference between perception and actual data. It is the design of lighting, rather than the number of hours of illumination that is most important," the report states.

Of the 5,000 lights that could be disconnected, KCC says that many would not now be put up in any case under a changed approach to design.

"Their removal will have no adverse effect on the locality, yet deliver a saving of 5% on the energy bill."

Plans to reduce the operating hours of 70,000 others would involve them being fitted with timers, meaning they light at dusk before going off at about midnight. They would then come back on in early morning.

Around half of English councils have already taken similar steps to save money. In Essex, 91,000 streetlights are switched off after midnight.