I have to agree somewhat. The lighting on Sunderland travels a little better due to less trees obstructing the light, but I agree its not great. The 5+5 approach from what I see lights the road and one side of the pavement, leaving the other side in darkness. Im sure that the problem with a lot of the new lights is the spread of light.... its quite simply poor.
Its a shame really that a new system seems to be less efficient than the outgoing system. I certainly agree with Chris, the pavements on a lot of roads are truly shocking now, uneven and unlit, what a combination.
Priestfield / Queensfield Roads still remains my example of how these lights SHOULD be lighting up the roads and pavements. And I really cant see why there are such inconsistencies in it all.