Scroll down to see results of our poll about new streetlamps.
Controversial new LED streetlamps which displays road names to navigate people through High Wycombe town centre may have to be replaced after eagle-eyed motorists claimed they were put on the wrong street.
UPDATE: Council admit mistake and plan to replace current lights.
Some residents have taken a dim view on the new “West Wycombe Road” lights, arguing that Buckinghamshire County Council’s bulk purchase has backfired with engineers putting them on the wrong road.
As part of the Westbourne Street Link road development plans – introducing a new route for traffic going from West Wycombe Road to Marlow Hill – the new LED lights were erected alongside the main road near Sainsbury’s.
The illuminated fittings currently display the name of West Wycombe Road despite old road signs – which were recently removed - suggesting they have actually been placed at the end of Oxford Road.
Alan Wentworth, 50, of Shaftesbury Street, High Wycombe, said: “They have got a lamppost with West Wycombe on it, but it’s actually on Oxford Road.
“They’ve spent all the money on it, they could at least get it right. To be honest it seems a bit of a waste of money.”
BCC say that they are aware of confusion over the boundaries of the roads and have said that if the community feels strongly about the problem they will be changed.
Spokesman Helen Fincher said: “The street names have been laser-cut into the service hatches on standard lampposts, with efficient led lighting installed behind. It’s a simple yet distinctive way to help people navigate through the town.
“With respect to the street names, our electronic mapping data says that the street is West Wycombe Road up to the junction with Bellfield Road, after which it becomes Oxford Road.
“However, the service hatch panel on the lighting columns can be repaired or replaced quite simply, so if the community feels it should be different we can easily change it.”
Construction work ongoing as part of High Wycombe Masterplan.
The current road name system is correct according to Google Maps, but, according to old maps and pictures, Oxford Road used to end where the new mini-roundabout is.
As part of the High Wycombe masterplan, drivers will be able to use a different route across the town from West Wycombe Road in a bid to divert traffic away from the flyover.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel