A street lighting designer designs the layout, column positions, luminaire types and electrical supply arrangements for highway lighting schemes. On new residential developments the street lighting design is a mandatory element of the Section 38 adoption package - the highway authority will not adopt a new road without an approved lighting design. Designs must comply with BS EN 13201 (road lighting) and any local authority supplementary standards. Modern designs favour LED luminaires, which reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs and can be controlled remotely through SCMS (street lighting central management systems).
What they do
- Produce photometric calculations to BS EN 13201 lighting classes
- Design column layout, heights and overhang for highway lighting
- Select and specify LED luminaires and control gear
- Produce electrical supply and cable route drawings
- Prepare Section 38 lighting packages for highway authority approval
- Design public realm and pedestrian area lighting
- Specify LED upgrade schemes for existing highway lighting
- Produce photometric reports and compliance certificates
When you need one
A street lighting designer is required for any new adoptable road, public realm improvement or highway scheme where lighting is needed or specified by the highway authority as a condition of adoption.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Street lighting design report | £600 - £2,000 |
| Full lighting design package (new adoptable road) | £800 - £2,500 |
| LED upgrade specification | £500 - £1,500 |
| Luminance and illuminance modelling | £300 - £700 |
| Photometric report for adoption | £300 - £600 |
| Hourly rate | £65 - £110 / hr |
Costs increase with the length of road, number of columns and complexity of the public realm. Confirm whether the fee includes electrical supply design and connection agreements with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
Qualifications to look for
The primary professional body for street and highway lighting designers in the UK. ILP membership (MILP or FILP) demonstrates competence in road lighting design to BS EN 13201. Verify at theilp.org.uk.
Many street lighting designers working on highway adoption schemes also hold MCIHT membership, which is recognised by highway authorities when submitting Section 38 lighting packages.
How to find a reputable street lighting designer
Frequently asked questions
What is BS EN 13201?
BS EN 13201 is the European standard for road lighting. It classifies roads by use and traffic type and specifies the minimum illuminance and uniformity requirements for each class. Street lighting designs must demonstrate compliance with the appropriate class for adoption by the highway authority. The standard covers carriageway lighting, footway lighting and conflict area lighting.
What is the difference between illuminance and luminance?
Illuminance (measured in lux) measures the light falling on a surface. Luminance (measured in candela per square metre) measures the light reflected from a surface towards the observer's eye. Road lighting standards typically specify minimum average luminance and uniformity ratios, as luminance better represents what the driver actually sees. Horizontal illuminance is used for pedestrian areas.
Do new roads need street lighting?
Most adoptable residential roads require street lighting as a condition of Section 38 adoption. The highway authority will specify the design standard and adoption requirements, including column spacing, lantern type and control arrangements. Some rural roads are designed without street lighting for environmental and dark sky reasons - the highway authority will advise on a case by case basis.