How to report a broken street light in Rothwell

You report a broken street light in Rothwell by using Leeds City Council’s online “Lights on in Leeds” portal at lightsoninleeds.co.uk, or by calling the Contact Centre at 0113 222 4444. Emergency faults like exposed wires or leaning columns require calling the hotline 0800 0325349.

Rothwell is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, with postcode LS26. Leeds City Council manages all street lighting across the borough, including Rothwell’s residential streets, Main Street, Aberford Road, and Pottery Lane. When a street light fails, residents must report it directly to the council, not to parish councils or private utilities.

What is the official way to report a broken street light in Rothwell?

The official method is the online “Lights on in Leeds” fault report form at lightsoninleeds.co.uk/Public/ReportFault.aspx. You type your Rothwell street name, search the location, and submit the fault details. The system generates a reference number for tracking repair status.

Leeds City Council operates the “Lights on in Leeds” service, which provides interactive maps for locating faulty street units across the entire borough. This platform covers Rothwell and all Leeds areas including Otley, Yeadon, Horsforth, and Kippax.

The online form requires four key inputs: street name, fault description, unit type, and unit reference number. The unit reference is normally printed on the street light column and helps identify the specific unit. It’s usually a number but can contain letters.

You can also report by phone through the Contact Centre at 0113 222 4444. This number handles all public and customer service enquiries for Leeds City Council. The centre operates during standard business hours and will direct your call to the highways team responsible for lighting.

Email general.enquiries@leeds.gov.uk is available for written enquiries, though phone or online reporting provides faster fault registration. The council’s website at www.leeds.gov.uk contains additional contact information and emergency contact details for out-of-hours situations.

Which street lights in Rothwell does Leeds City Council maintain?

Leeds City Council maintains all public street lights on roads, pavements, and public spaces throughout Rothwell. This includes residential streets, Main Street, Station Lane, Church Street, Pottery Lane, Aberford Road, and community areas like Marsh Street where the Rothwell community hub is located.

Rothwell falls within the Metropolitan Borough of Leeds, making Leeds City Council the responsible authority for street lighting installation and maintenance. The council manages approximately tens of thousands of lighting columns across the borough.

Council responsibility covers lights on:

• Residential streets throughout Rothwell
• Main Street (the primary thoroughfare)
• Station Lane and Church Street
• Pottery Lane and Aberford Road
• Bentley Court, Pymont Drive, and Ogilby Mews
• Pymont Grove, Kielder Way, and Sherwood Way
• Springfield Street, Victoria Avenue, and Chapel Street
• The Grange, Stone Brig Lane, and Lay Garth Gardens
• Marsh Street (community hub location)

The council does not maintain lights on motorways or major “A roads” managed by Highways England. If a street light is on such a road, you contact Highways England at 0300 123 5000 or info@highwaysengland.co.uk.

Leeds City Council also does not control private lighting on commercial properties, housing developments with private management companies, or interior building lighting. These require contact with the property owner or management company.

What information do I need to report a faulty street light?

You need the street name in Rothwell, a description of the fault (not working, flickering, damaged), the unit type (column, lantern), and optionally the unit reference number printed on the light column. The unit reference speeds up identification significantly.

The “Lights on in Leeds” online form requires specific data points for accurate fault registration. Missing information delays contractor response and repair scheduling.

Essential information includes:

Street name: Type the exact Rothwell street name and press Search. The interactive map returns the location quickly. Examples include “Main Street, Rothwell” or “Marsh Street, Rothwell LS26”.

Fault description: Clearly state the problem using factual language. Valid descriptions include “light not working,” “light flickering continuously,” “lantern hanging down,” “column leaning,” or “wires exposed.” Avoid vague terms like “broken” without specifics.

Unit type: Specify whether the fault affects a column (the vertical pole), lantern (the light fixture at the top), or both components.

Unit reference number: This number appears on the street light column itself. Search using both street name and unit reference to find the unit quickly. The reference is usually numeric but may include letters.

When calling 0113 222 4444, provide the same information verbally. The operator will record your fault report and generate a reference number.

Postcode LS26 helps confirm the Rothwell location but isn’t mandatory if the street name is clear. Having the unit reference number dramatically reduces identification time for the repair contractor.

How do I use the Lights on in Leeds online reporting system?

Navigate to lightsoninleeds.co.uk/Public/ReportFault.aspx, type your Rothwell street name in the “Street” field, press Search, locate the faulty unit on the interactive map, select it, and complete the fault description form. The system immediately generates a reference number you must save for tracking.

The “Lights on in Leeds” portal provides interactive mapping that covers all Leeds areas including Rothwell. The system uses GPS coordinates to pinpoint street light locations precisely.

Step-by-step process:

1. Open the website: Visit https://www.lightsoninleeds.co.uk/Public/ReportFault.aspx in any browser. The site works on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
2. Enter street name: Type your Rothwell street in the “Street” field. Use the full name like “Main Street, Rothwell” or “Aberford Road, Rothwell LS26”.
3. Press Search: Click the Search button. The map zooms to your street and displays all street light units along it.
4. Locate the faulty unit: Use map controls to move and zoom manually if needed. Street light icons appear as small symbols along the road. Identify the specific unit that’s broken.
5. Select the unit: Click on the faulty unit icon. The system highlights it and opens the fault report form.
6. Enter unit reference: If visible on the column, enter the unit reference number. This number appears printed on the unit.
7. Describe the fault: Write a clear description in the “Description” field. State exactly what’s wrong using factual terms.
8. Select unit type: Choose from available options (column, lantern, or both).
9. Submit the report: Click the submit button. The system records your fault report immediately.
10. Save your reference number: The system displays a fault report reference number. Write this number down immediately. You’ll need it to check repair status later.

If the interactive map fails, use the standard accessible tool at lightsoninleeds.co.uk/Public/ReportAccessible.aspx. This version provides simplified input fields without map functionality.

The system automatically schedules your reported item for repair after submission. You receive confirmation that the report was recorded successfully.

What qualifies as an emergency street lighting fault in Rothwell?

Emergency faults include leaning columns, missing doors exposing wires, lanterns hanging down from the top, or any condition creating immediate public safety hazards. These require calling the emergency hotline 0800 0325349 instead of using the online form.

Emergency street lighting faults pose immediate danger to pedestrians, drivers, or residents. Leeds Street Lighting Services prioritizes these reports for rapid response.

Emergency fault examples:

Leaning or knockdown columns: A street light column that has tilted significantly from vertical or fallen跨roduces instability risk. Pedestrians could collide with it, or it might fall completely.

Exposed wiring: Missing doors on columns leaving electrical wires visible create electrocution hazard. Contact with exposed wires causes serious injury or death.

Lanterns hanging down: fixtures detached from their mounting and hanging by wires pose falling object risk. The lantern could detach and strike someone below.

Knocked columns: Columns damaged by vehicles require immediate safety assessment. Structural integrity may be compromised.

Exposed cable defects: Underground cable faults showing above ground create electrocution danger for anyone contacting the exposed area.

For emergency faults, call 0800 0325349 immediately. This hotline operates for urgent safety situations. Do not use the online form for emergencies—phone reporting ensures faster contractor dispatch.

Standard faults like a light not working at night, flickering intermittently, or complete failure without physical damage are not emergencies. These use the normal online process or 0113 222 4444 phone line.

Emergency response aims to make faults safe within 2 hours of reporting, based on UK street lighting standards. Standard faults have longer repair timelines.

How long does it take to repair a broken street light in Rothwell?

Standard street light faults are repaired within 5 working days after the contractor receives the report. Emergency faults are actioned within 2 hours. Reports received before 4pm go to the contractor on the same working day.

Leeds City Council passes fault reports to repair contractors based on reception time. Reports before 4pm reach the contractor on the same working day.

Repair timelines by fault type:

Fault Type	Response Time
Emergency (exposed wires, leaning column)	2 hours
Standard street light not working	5 working days
Underground cable fault (3+ lights)	20 working days
Underground cable fault (single light)	25 working days

Data from similar UK council operations shows these standards.

The contractor has 5 calendar days to repair normal streetlight faults once receiving the assignment. This includes traveling to Rothwell, diagnosing the issue, and completing the repair.

Underground cable faults take longer because UK Power Network (WPD) must locate and fix the defect. WPD aims for 20 working days for multiple-light defects and 25 working days for single-light faults.

If repair requires switching off electricity to neighbouring properties, the council contacts residents 7 days beforehand for standard customers. Commercial customers receive 14 days notice.

You track repair status using your fault report reference number from the online system or phone call. Contact 0113 222 4444 to inquire about progress if the timeline exceeds expectations.

Weekend and holiday periods may extend repair times slightly due to contractor scheduling. Emergency faults maintain 2-hour response regardless of timing.

What if my Rothwell street light is on part-night lighting schedule?

Part-night lighting units in Rothwell are intentionally switched off between midnight and 5am. If your light is off during these hours, it’s not broken—it’s following the council’s scheduled dimming program. Check the schedule before reporting.

Leeds City Council implemented part-night lighting across Rothwell and other areas including Otley, Yeadon, Horsforth, and Kippax to reduce costs and light pollution. The program switched off street lights during specific night hours.

Part-night lighting schedule for Rothwell:

Time Period	Status
Dusk to midnight	ON
Midnight to 5am	OFF
5am to dawn	ON

The unit is intended to be switched off for a period during the night. During summer months, lights may not switch off since it’s already daylight during the midnight-5am window.

Not all lights participate in part-night lighting. Exceptions include:

• Lighting near sheltered accommodation for elderly residents (remains on all night)
• Alleyways linking residential streets or at bus stops
• Car park lighting
• Bus stop illumination

The online reporting system displays a notice when you select a part-night lighting unit: “Please be aware that this unit is on a Part Night Lighting schedule and is intended to be switched off for a period during the night”.

Before reporting a light as broken, verify the current time. If it’s between midnight and 5am, the light is operating normally. Wait until after 5am to confirm it turns on.

If the light remains off after 5am or during dusk-to-midnight hours, it’s genuinely faulty and should be reported.

Can I report a broken street light by phone instead of online?

Yes, call Leeds City Council’s Contact Centre at 0113 222 4444 to report by phone. The operator records your fault details, generates a reference number, and schedules repair. This works for all Rothwell street lights except emergencies, which require 0800 0325349.

Phone reporting provides the same official fault registration as the online system. The Contact Centre handles all public enquiries about street lighting problems across Leeds, including Rothwell.

Phone reporting process:

1. Call 0113 222 4444 during business hours
2. State you want to report a street lighting problem
3. Provide your Rothwell street name and fault description
4. Give the unit reference number if visible on the column
5. The operator records the fault and provides a reference number
6. Save the reference number for future status checks

The 0113 number connects to Leeds City Council’s main customer services team. Operators will direct your call to the highways team if needed.

Phone reporting is useful when:

• You cannot access the online system
• You lack internet connectivity
• You prefer verbal communication
• You need immediate clarification about the process

For emergency faults (exposed wires, leaning columns), call 0800 0325349 instead. This hotline ensures faster emergency contractor dispatch.

The Contact Centre operates standard business hours. Out-of-hours emergency numbers are listed at www.leeds.gov.uk/emergencycontacts.

Email general.enquiries@leeds.gov.uk is available but provides slower response than phone or online reporting.

What happens after I report a faulty street light?

Your fault report is recorded immediately and the item is scheduled for repair by the council’s contractor. You receive a reference number to track status. The contractor receives reports before 4pm on the same working day and repairs standard faults within 5 working days.

Leeds City Council’s process follows these steps after fault submission:

Immediate recording: The system or operator records your fault report and generates a unique reference number. This number identifies your specific report in the council’s database.

Contractor assignment: Reports received before 4pm go to the repair contractor on the same working day. The contractor is the external company contracted by Leeds City Council for street lighting maintenance.

Repair scheduling: The contractor schedules your Rothwell street light for repair based on priority. Emergency faults get 2-hour response; standard faults get 5-day response.

On-site work: A technician travels to your street, locates the faulty unit using your provided details, diagnoses the issue, and completes the repair. They may need to access the electrical supply.

Completion confirmation: The contractor marks the fault as resolved in the system. The street light returns to normal operation.

Status tracking: Use your reference number to check repair status. Call 0113 222 4444 or visit the online portal to inquire about progress.

If underground cable faults require UK Power Network (WPD) involvement, repair takes 20-25 working days. The council contacts you if electricity must be switched off for neighbouring properties.

The item remains scheduled for repair until completed. Your reference number stays valid for the entire repair process duration.

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Who is responsible for street lights on major roads near Rothwell?

Leeds City Council handles street lights on local roads within Rothwell. Highways England manages lights on motorways and major “A roads” they control. For Highways England roads, contact them at 0300 123 5000 or info@highwaysengland.co.uk instead of Leeds City Council.

Responsibility depends on road classification and management authority.

Leeds City Council responsibility covers:

• All residential streets in Rothwell
• Main Street, Station Lane, Church Street
• Pottery Lane, Aberford Road (local sections)
• Community areas and pavements
• Non-motorway roads within the borough

Highways England responsibility covers:

• Motorways (M1, M62, etc.)
• Major “A roads” they manage in England
• Roads with national transport significance

To determine responsibility:

1. Check if the road is a motorway (M-prefix)
2. Check if it’s a major A-road managed nationally
3. If neither, Leeds City Council is responsible

For Highways England roads, use their contact details:

• Phone: 0300 123 5000
• Email: info@highwaysengland.co.uk

Traffic Scotland (0800 028 1414), Traffic Wales (0845 602 6020), or Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure handle major roads outside England.

Most Rothwell streets fall under Leeds City Council jurisdiction. The town’s primary roads like Main Street and Aberford Road are local roads, not national A-roads.

What if the online system doesn’t work for reporting my Rothwell street light?

Use the accessible standard tool at lightsoninleeds.co.uk/Public/ReportAccessible.aspx when the interactive map fails. This version provides simplified form fields without map functionality but registers the same fault report with Leeds City Council.

The interactive map occasionally experiences technical issues preventing normal use. The accessible alternative provides full fault reporting capability.

The accessible tool includes these input fields:

• Street name (type your Rothwell street)
• Fault description (explain the problem)
• Unit type (column, lantern, or both)
• Unit reference (if visible on the column)

Submit the form through the accessible tool to register your fault. The system generates the same reference number as the interactive version.

Alternative reporting methods when both online tools fail:

Phone reporting: Call 0113 222 4444 to report by phone. The operator records your fault manually.

Council website: Visit www.leeds.gov.uk and search “Report street lighting” for alternative forms.

Email: Send details to general.enquiries@leeds.gov.uk though response is slower.

The accessible tool works on all browsers and devices. It requires no special software or plugins.

If you experience persistent technical problems, contact the Contact Centre at 0113 222 4444 for assistance with the reporting system.

How do I track the status of my broken street light report in Rothwell?

Use your fault report reference number to check status through the “Lights on in Leeds” portal or by calling 0113 222 4444. The reference number appears immediately after submission and is required for all status inquiries.

Your reference number is the only identifier for tracking repair progress. Without it, the council cannot locate your specific report.

Tracking methods:

Online portal: Return to lightsoninleeds.co.uk and use the fault tracking feature. Enter your reference number to view current status (pending, assigned, in progress, completed).

Phone inquiry: Call 0113 222 4444 and provide your reference number. The operator checks the system and reports current status.

Email inquiry: Send your reference number to general.enquiries@leeds.gov.uk with a status request.

Status categories include:

• Recorded: Fault registered, awaiting contractor assignment
• Assigned: Contractor received the report, scheduling repair
• In progress: Technician working on the repair
• Completed: Repair finished, light operational

Standard faults take up to 5 working days from assignment to completion. Emergency faults complete within 2 hours.

If status remains “Assigned” beyond 5 working days, call the Contact Centre to inquire about delays. The contractor may need additional information or access.

Keep your reference number safe until the repair completes. Lost reference numbers require starting a new fault report.

What should I do if my street light repair is delayed beyond the expected timeline?

Contact Leeds City Council’s Contact Centre at 0113 222 4444 with your fault report reference number to inquire about delays. Request escalation if the repair exceeds 5 working days for standard faults or 2 hours for emergencies.

Delays occur due to contractor scheduling, weather conditions, part availability, or access issues. The council can investigate and expedite delayed repairs.

Delay inquiry process:

1. Call 0113 222 4444: Contact the Customer Services team during business hours
2. Provide reference number: Give your fault report reference number from the original submission
3. Request status update: Ask for current repair status and expected completion date
4. Request escalation: If significantly delayed, request supervisor review or contractor escalation

Standard fault delays beyond 5 working days warrant inquiry. Emergency delays beyond 2 hours require immediate escalation.

The council may identify issues like:

• Contractor backlog
• Required parts not available
• Access problems at the site
• Underground cable faults requiring UK Power Network

For underground cable faults, expect 20-25 working days regardless of inquiry. These require specialist electrical work beyond standard repairs.

If the council cannot resolve the delay, request referral to the highways team manager or cite the council’s service standards for street lighting repair.

Document all inquiry calls with dates, times, and operator names for future reference.

Is reporting a broken street light in Rothwell free for residents?

Yes, reporting broken street lights is completely free for all Rothwell residents. Leeds City Council does not charge for fault reports through the online system or phone line at 0113 222 4444. Emergency hotline calls to 0800 0325349 are also free.

Street lighting maintenance is a council service funded through general taxation and local rates. Residents pay no fees for reporting or repairing public street lights.

Free reporting channels:

• Online form at lightsoninleeds.co.uk (no charge)
• Phone at 0113 222 4444 (standard call rates apply, no service fee)
• Emergency hotline 0800 0325349 (free from all phones)

The 0800 number is free from UK landlines and most mobile networks. Standard phone calls to 0113 222 4444 may incur carrier charges depending on your provider.

Email reporting to general.enquiries@leeds.gov.uk is also free.

No payment is required for repair work on public street lights. The council covers all contractor costs for maintenance and repairs.

Private street lights on commercial properties or housing developments with private management require payment to the property owner or management company for repairs.

What evidence should I provide when reporting a dangerously broken street light?

Provide specific fault details: describe leaning angle, exposed wire length, lantern hanging position, and any visible damage. Include the unit reference number and exact street location. Photos are not required but help if the online system accepts attachments.

Detailed descriptions enable faster contractor diagnosis and appropriate safety response. Vague reports delay emergency assessment.

Critical evidence for dangerous faults:

Physical description: State exact conditions like “column leaning 30 degrees left,” “wires exposed 2 feet below column door,” or “lantern hanging 3 feet down by single wire.”

Unit reference: Include the number printed on the column. This identifies the specific unit for the contractor.

Street location: Provide full street name in Rothwell (e.g., “Main Street, Rothwell LS26”).

Time of observation: Note when you first noticed the danger. Recent incidents may indicate vehicle damage requiring additional assessment.

Safety risk: Explicitly state the hazard: “electrocution risk,” “falling object danger,” or “pedestrian collision risk.”

The emergency hotline 0800 0325349 prioritizes calls with clear safety descriptions. Operators dispatch contractors immediately for confirmed emergencies.

Photos are not required but strengthen reports if the system accepts attachments. Most online forms focus on text descriptions rather than image uploads.

Do not attempt to fix dangerous faults yourself. Exposed wires cause electrocution; leaning columns may fall completely.

Report immediately and avoid the area until the contractor secures the site.

Can Rothwell parish council report broken street lights instead of residents?

No, Rothwell Parish Council cannot report street lights—the council does not control street lighting. Residents must report directly to Leeds City Council via lightsoninleeds.co.uk or 0113 222 4444. Parish councils support local life but have no authority over highways or lighting.

Parish councils have limited powers compared to metropolitan borough councils. Alwoodley Parish Council explicitly states: “We don’t control street lighting” and directs residents to Leeds City Council for reporting.

Leeds City Council responsibilities include:

• Street lighting installation and maintenance
• Highways repairs and gritting
• Pothole repairs
• All public road infrastructure

Parish council role:

• Support local life
• Protect green spaces
• Give residents a voice
• Community hub management (Marsh Street, Rothwell LS26 OA)

For street lighting, contact directly:

• Leeds City Council: 0113 222 4444
• Online: lightsoninleeds.co.uk
• General enquiries: general.enquiries@leeds.gov.uk

Parish councils may assist residents unfamiliar with online reporting by providing guidance, but the actual fault report must come from the resident through official channels.

The Rothwell community hub at Marsh Street provides local support services but cannot report street lighting faults on behalf of residents.