A multi-storey car park is to be fitted with new LED lights that will save the council thousands of pounds a year.

New lights with motion sensors will be fitted on floors 2, 3 and 4 of St Martin’s Gate car park in Worcester.

The city council said the lights will save bring big savings on the car park's electricity bills, as well as being more environmentally friendly.

As with the current lights, they will be programmed to switch on at 6am each day, but only to 10 per cent brightness.

When motion is detected, they’ll come up to full brightness for two minutes or until there is no longer anyone or anything in range.

Worcester City Council, in setting its budget for 2024/25, has agreed to spend £55,000 on the new lighting but says the savings generated will pay this back within five years.

According to documents put before councillors at Tuesday’s full council meeting, the change will not affect the car park’s Park Mark accreditation from the British Parking Association.

“The lighting will be activated to full illumination when the sensors detect persons or vehicles in proximity,” the report says.

“The proposals have been developed in liaison with the car parking service to be satisfied that there are no health and safety concerns and lighting over the ramps and within entrances and stairwells will be kept at full illumination.

“It is possible to alter the level of illumination if it is not considered to be bright enough and officers will keep the matter under review.”

Parking charges at St Martin’s Gate are increasing, along with other city council-owned car parks.

Short stay charges are going up by 10p or 20p depending on how long you stay. Long stay charges are going up by between 20p and £1.

The cost of a 12-month season ticket at St Martin’s Gate car park will rise from £660 to £700.