The new supply started today (1 August) and the borough’s lights are now powered from two power stations at Derwent, near Derby and Keadby, in Lincolnshire.

Both generate electricity that is exempt from the Government’s Climate Change Levy, - thanks to the low emissions created by power stations.

The new supply contract was a requirement of Walsall’s innovative Private Finance Initiative contract awarded to Amey Highways Lighting (Walsall) Ltd (AHLWL).

AHLWL is owned jointly by Barclays Capital and Laing Roads, a division of John Laing plc. AHLWL is currently upgrading the lighting network in Walsall and will maintain it for another 25 years.

Councillor Marco Longhi, cabinet member for Environment and Transportation said: “Walsall Council’s commitment to a sustainable environment is demonstrated by this excellent news.

“It is an example of how Walsall, as part of its efforts to be an effective and modern council, is working well with its private sector partners. Not only are we making a major contribution to protecting the environment, but we are saving money for the council tax-payers of Walsall.”

Derek Potts, Managing Director of Laing Roads, said: This contract will provide Walsall Council with a significant cost saving, whilst also increasing the proportion of green energy used in the borough. We are delighted that our partnership with Walsall Council is delivering these benefits."

Media Enquiries

Tony Moran, press officer, on 01922 653573
Patrick Waterhouse, Amey Highways Lighting (Walsall) Limited on 07984 861554
Christine Jones, Laing Roads on 020 7901 3290

Notes to Editors

John Laing plc, a publicly quoted company, holds a large and expanding portfolio of investments spanning transport (including 100% ownership of Chiltern Railways), health, education and special purpose government facilities. The majority of the investments are within the UK though a number are in continental Europe and Australia. www.laing.co.uk

Laing Roads, a division John Laing plc, has extensive experience of privately financed roads, and currently holds investments in nine roads concessions, seven in the UK, one in Finland and one in Norway. It has participated in the UK’s private finance programme since its inception, securing investments in the M40 J1 to J15 (50%), A55 Bangor to Holyhead (50%), A130 (100%), Severn River Crossing (35%), M6 (19.5%), A19 (50%), Walsall Street Lighting (50%), as well as the Nelostie (Helsinki – Lahti) road (50%) in Finland with Skanska BOT and the E39 (Klett – Bardshaug) road in Norway (50%).

Laing Roads is Preferred Bidder on two further street lighting projects including Manchester Public Lighting and Wakefield Public Lighting.