UK towns and cities are set to see the arrival of smart street lamps which can help charge electric vehicles and boost wireless coverage, as part of a £1.3 million pilot scheme by the government.
The Smart Infrastructure pilot programme, which will see the street lamps adapted to carry out a range of functions, including monitoring air quality and displaying public information, will also be bolstered by a further £2.7 million from local authorities.
The six authorities involved in the Smart Infrastructure Pilot Scheme include Cambridgeshire County Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority, the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Westminster City Council, Oxfordshire County Council and North Ayrshire Council.
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Data and digital infrastructure minister Sir John Whittingdale said: “The way we stay in touch, access information and do business is underpinned by digital connectivity – and a world-class wireless infrastructure will be the foundation for the jobs, skills and services of the future”
“We want to ensure that towns and cities across the UK are right at the forefront of this connectivity revolution, ready to seize the opportunities it will bring for local communities, which is exactly what these pilots are about.”
“They will help demonstrate how advanced wireless technology can enable areas to innovate and deliver better public services, from rolling out electric vehicle chargers to boosting business growth and helping keep our streets safe.”
TechUK CEO Julian David added: “Today’s announcement is a welcome step from the UK government in putting wireless connectivity at the heart of local infrastructure deployment.”
“We must empower more local authorities so that they can foster the greater use of advanced connectivity in their areas, helping unlock growth and innovation across the whole of the UK.”
