In the latest upgrade to Blackburn with Darwen’s transport infrastructure, the council is replacing hundreds of old illuminated traffic bollards with modern reflective alternatives. With 150 left to go, the work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
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Previously, all traffic bollards were lit around the clock and required new lamps every 3 to 4 years. Now, the new reflective bollards will offer the same visibility without the running costs—or the frequent maintenance.
Not only do the new bollards reduce energy use, but they’re also designed to “bounce back” when struck by a vehicle, unlike the older illuminated versions that often needed full replacement.
This swap will save the council more than £27,000 annually in electricity bills alone and free up time for the five-person street lighting team who currently look after more than 22,000 assets across the borough.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:
“Taking small actions such as replacing our traffic bollards for more environmentally friendly alternatives is an easy way to cut down on our energy use, whilst improving the highway infrastructure.
The reflective bollards will save over £27,000 on electricity costs, reduce the number of lamps we replace, the number of hours of maintenance required and pay for themselves in five years. It’s a win-win situation.”
The move is part of the council’s wider climate emergency plan and is just one of several improvements being funded across the borough’s roads, street lighting and public transport infrastructure.
Four types of reflective bollards are being used across Blackburn and Darwen: “Keep left”, “Keep right”, “No entry” and “Opal” — the latter used in the centre of the road to mark lane separation.
The upgrade isn’t just practical—it’s a symbolic step forward in modernising local infrastructure with smart, sustainable choices.
