Solarlite local authority impact challenge

SolarLite, part of Clearview Intelligence Group, in partnership with LCRIG, is inviting Local Authorities across the UK to identify a location on their highway network where SolarLite active road studs could help tackle a real highways challenge.

This challenge launches LCRIG’s new Innovation in Action series – a programme designed to put innovative highways technology into practice, generating evidence and learning that can be shared across the sector. If your organisation is interested in taking part in the Innovation in Action series and exploring a similar opportunity, please get in touch with LCRIG to find out more.

THE CHALLENGE

Building on the evidence and learning generated through the ADEPT Live Labs programme in East Riding, the SolarLite Local Authority Impact Challenge will take the technology from Live Labs to local roads – giving three Local Authorities the opportunity to deploy and evaluate SolarLite on their own networks.

Three successful authorities will each receive up to 100 SolarLite active road studs, supplied free of charge together with standard installation, subject to site assessment, technical approval and final scheme design.

The aim is simple:

Identify a challenge. Put SolarLite to the test. Generate evidence that can benefit your network and the wider highways sector.

What challenge could SolarLite help you address?

We’re looking for Local Authorities with a suitable highway location where SolarLite could help address one or both of two key challenges.

Improving road safety 

• Could enhanced delineation or visibility help address a safety issue on your network?
• Perhaps you have a challenging roundabout, complex junction, difficult bend or rural road where drivers could benefit from clearer guidance of the road ahead.

Reducing carbon and street lighting costs

• Could active road studs provide an alternative or complementary approach to conventional street lighting?
• Perhaps you have a location where street lighting is costly to operate, due for renewal, or where you’re looking to reduce energy use, carbon and associated costs while maintaining effective road delineation.

What could your Local Authority receive?

Three Local Authorities will each receive a fully funded SolarLite scheme, including:

• Up to 100 SolarLite active road studs
• Standard installation at no charge
• Technical assessment and scheme design support from Clearview
• An in-person planning/site meeting with the Clearview/SolarLite team
• Support to establish an appropriate evaluation plan and baseline
• Support capturing the outcomes and learning from the deployment
• The opportunity to develop an evidence-led case study with Clearview and LCRIG
• Promotion of the findings through LCRIG’s Knowledge & Innovation Network and wider industry communications

What happens if you’re selected?

Before installation, Clearview will work with each successful authority to review the proposed location, highway challenge, objectives, site conditions and evaluation approach, and agree the practical requirements for delivery.

This will normally include a site review where appropriate.

Participating authorities will be responsible for arranging and funding any necessary traffic management, road closures or diversions, permits, statutory approvals and other excluded site or third-party costs.

Full details of the offer, responsibilities and programme requirements are set out in the Challenge Terms & Conditions.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need to design the SolarLite scheme – we want you to tell us about your highways challenge.

Identify a specific location on your network and tell us:

• Where is the location? The road, junction, roundabout or specific site.
• What’s the problem? A brief description of the highways challenge you would like SolarLite to help address.

Local Authorities can submit more than one application, provided each application relates to a different location.

Applications are open to all UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) local authorities and highways authorities with responsibility for the highway or location proposed within their submission.

Our Judges

• Professor Patricia Thornley – Chief Scientific Advisor, Department for Transport
• Paul Hutton – Owner, Highways News
• Karl Rourke – Service Manager, East Riding of Yorkshire Council
• Giles Perkins – Programme Director, Live Labs 2
• Susanne Ingham – Relationship Director, LCRIG

Application deadline

5pm, Monday 30th November 2026

Need help preparing your application?

To help Local Authorities develop their submissions, we’re hosting two upcoming webinars covering the challenge, what we’re looking for and how to put together a strong application.

The sessions will provide an opportunity to hear more about the SolarLite Local Authority Impact Challenge, understand the application process and ask questions ahead of the deadline.

Register for an upcoming webinar

Improving road safety webinar

11am, 3rd November 2026 – Register Now

Reducing carbon and street lighting costs webinar

11am, 10th November 2026 – Register Now

GOT A LOCATION IN MIND? SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BELOW