Mintlaw roads trial pairs solar studs with targeted lighting
Published 28th October 2026
Aberdeenshire Council is preparing a trial of lower-carbon road infrastructure on the A952 at Mintlaw. The work combines reflective signs, improved markings, solar-powered road studs and sensor-controlled lighting at a pedestrian island.
Road studs are scheduled for installation on 29th and 30th October 2026. The council plans to switch off selected conventional streetlights on 30th October, with mitigation measures and a further safety audit. Driver behaviour will be monitored during the trial.
An £89,500 project grant funds the local works. The test forms part of the Decarbonising Street Lighting project within the Department for Transport-funded Live Labs 2 programme.
The purpose is to assess alternatives that could reduce the carbon and energy demands of highways infrastructure. Wider deployment depends on evaluation; the announcement does not establish measured savings from the Mintlaw trial.
Source: Aberdeenshire Council, announcement dated 23rd October 2026.