Saving Millions and the Planet—One Lamp Post at a Time
Title: How National Highways Can Save £2.3 Million Annually—Starting with Lamp Posts
National Highways manages a staggering 70,000 lamp posts across the country. While these pillars of infrastructure are essential for safety, their maintenance has traditionally been a costly, carbon-intensive endeavour. Every year, roughly 15,500 posts require treatment for corrosion. For decades, the industry standard has relied on bitumen—a complex mixture of hydrocarbons derived from crude oil.
However, the data is in: there is a cleaner, cheaper, and more durable way forward.
The Hidden Cost of Bitumen
Traditional bitumen treatment is not just expensive (averaging £175 per post); it is an environmental burden. The process requires heating materials to nearly 180°C, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and local air pollutants. Over time, bitumen degrades, releasing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and allowing water-borne pollutants to enter our waterways.
Enter PeeTGuard: The £2.3 Million Solution
The PeeTGuard system offers a radical departure from "business as usual." By replacing traditional treatment with a specialised collar made from unrecyclable plastic, National Highways can slash annual maintenance costs from over £2.7 million to just £387,345.
(Note: The National Highways cost comparison report estimates total annual savings at £2,325,155.00.)
The Spend-to-Save Asset Revolution
Sustainability Without Sacrifice
Beyond the budget, the environmental wins are undeniable. The PeeTGuard system provides:
341,000 kgs of annual CO_2e savings.
A 50-80% reduction in carbon footprint compared to virgin plastics.
A Circular Economy model where collars can be reprocessed at the end of their life cycle.
Conclusion
As we look toward a greener future for UK infrastructure, the choice is clear. By moving away from fossil-fuel-based bitumen and embracing innovative recycled solutions like PeeTGuard, National Highways can protect its assets, its budget, and the environment simultaneously.
It’s time to rethink the foundations of our highways.
