I don't like the new lamp posts much either, and the sharper focusing of the light gives a more patchy and less holistic feel to streets. Still, I'm sure they will be cheaper to run, which I guess is what is driving the renewal.

At the back of my house the new lamp at the end of a cul-de-sac is taller than the houses and trees and gives a really eerie feel to the street. It looks like something from outer space - see picture.

I did contact Skanska who told me that there was nothing wrong with a one-size-fits-all approach because each lamp only has a 60w bulb in it and 'The street lighting has been designed to be taller in order to light the street to the current British Standards. The taller street lighting columns are more energy efficient and are able to light larger areas individually than the old street lighting.'

What we have though, is pools of light and dark, strange spots along the street and in the day time rather too tall posts. Of course, as an earlier comment says this is a matter of taste, and some people will like the new lights. I think they exhibit the triumph of economy over aesthetics.
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