The global number of smart street lights with remote control is expected to more than double by 2030, rising from 38.5 million units at the end of 2025 to 87.6 million units by the end of the decade. This growth is driven by LED modernisation programmes and the increasing adoption of connected lighting controls that allow individual lamps to be monitored and managed remotely.
Remote control replaces manual checking
Traditionally, street lighting has served the straightforward purpose of providing illumination after dark. New control units installed alongside LED replacements now allow highway authorities and operators to oversee each lighting point without physical inspections. These units enable functions such as switching on and off, dimming, and fault detection, improving operational oversight.
Rather than treating lighting columns as isolated assets inspected periodically, controllers obtain real-time data on the condition and operation of each unit. This shift supports more targeted maintenance and reduces unnecessary site visits.
Connectivity grows with LED upgrades
Connected lighting controls are increasingly included in new LED lighting contracts. This integration avoids extra infrastructure work since connectivity is installed alongside lamp replacement. It also supports energy efficiency, critical as authorities face rising energy costs and tighter sustainability targets.
The lighting control units do not alter the core purpose of street lights but add a layer of remote management, making the network a connected asset. This trend reflects a broader move across the public highway sector, where physical infrastructure is paired with digital information and monitoring.
Changing technology and geography
Most existing smart street lighting systems use proprietary radio-frequency mesh networks, a technology proven in major projects over the last decade. However, cellular networks are expanding rapidly and are predicted to become the fastest-growing connectivity solution for lighting controls in the coming years.
At the end of 2025, Europe accounted for 36% of the global smart lighting installed base, with North America at 29% and China at 15%. These figures indicate that connected street lighting is no longer a niche smart-city initiative but a widespread infrastructure development.
Operational gains for the UK highways sector
For UK highway authorities and contractors, the increasing connectivity of street lighting means maintenance and fault management will become more data-driven. While physical repairs and inspections remain necessary, remote monitoring pinpoints where attention is needed, improving efficiency and resource planning.
This advance aligns with ongoing innovations in connected highways infrastructure, as seen in developments in connected vehicle data and asset management ahead of Interchange 2026.
Invisible benefits for road users
For drivers and residents, smart street lighting will appear much as it always has: reliable illumination on roads and footways. The key change happens behind the scenes, where operators gain detailed insight into the performance of each lamp and control the network remotely.
According to Berg Insight, this growing market for smart lighting supports both operational efficiency and environmental goals, making it a significant component of future public highway infrastructure upgrades.
