This paper analyses the use of aluminium lighting columns in the UK, and discusses their many advantages. Several factors have contributed to the under-use of aluminium lighting columns in the UK, including the possibility of underground corrosion, the cost of aluminium manufacturing, high prices due to low production levels, and a very competitive UK steel column industry. Aluminium column products now available have the advantages of being safer for road users, easier and cheaper to transport and install, and less expensive over their whole working life. The 6000 series of aluminium alloys, which contain aluminium, magnesium, and silicon, are the most suitable for lighting columns. An extruded one-piece weld-free aluminium column has over 40 years of maintenance-free life. At the end of its life, a column can be sold for scrap for up to 20% of its cost. Tests by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) showed that aluminium columns offered by far the lowest resistance to vehicles and caused much less damage or injury. It is estimated that up to 103 million pounds in accident costs would be saved each year in the UK if all columns were aluminium. As the columns do not need painting, their use saves additional money on Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) contracts.
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