A £9.8million project could turn all of Suffolk’s street lights LED - reducing the county’s carbon footprint.

Suffolk County Council's (SCC) cabinet will meet next Tuesday to discuss the proposal, which would see more than 40,000 of Suffolk's street lights replaced with more energy efficient LEDs.

The proposal was put forward by Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for highways, transport and rural affairs, in response to the expected rise of energy prices of between 8% and 12% per year.

If approved, the street lights throughout Suffolk could all be LEDs by autumn 2022.

There are currently more than 60,000 street lights in the county, which SCC are responsible for maintaining.

In 2010, SCC took steps to help reduce both the energy costs and carbon footprint of its lighting stock - including switching off some lights at night.

As part of the move, LED street lights have already replaced a number of the units in the county that used the most energy.

As well as the significant reduction in energy they consume, LED lights are also much brighter.

LEDs can also be dimmed at certain times, allowing for huge savings in energy costs.

SCC say the change will ensure Suffolk remains unaffected by any future energy price hikes.

Mr Reid said: "We recognise the importance of our environment in Suffolk and the impacts of climate change.

"Where possible, we want to ensure that we protect and enhance the natural environment, decrease carbon emissions and reduce the use of scarce resources, for the well-being of future generations and the natural world.

"Initiatives such as this are important in helping us to achieve that aim.

"We will be replacing almost 43,000 lights with new energy saving LED lanterns. This will save approximately 60% of our current energy bill, which can invested elsewhere.

"We will be able to reduce our carbon usage by around 80%, benefitting residents throughout Suffolk."