Sydney streets will see light-emitting diode (LED) installed for street and park lights over a three year project.

The City of Sydney has engaged in a joint venture with General Electric (GE) and UGL Limited (UGL) following a selective tender to begin installing LED lighting in front of Town Hall.

The project will cost $7 million for replacing 6450 conventional lights following an 18 month trial in Alexandria Park, Kings Cross, Martin Place and Circular Quay.

Following the trial, three quarters of respondents in public survey said the LED lighting improved visibility.

Mayor Clover Moore said the lighting will reduce emissions and halve the energy use and save about $800000 a year in electricity bills and maintenance costs.

The LED lights will cut emissions equivalent to 2861 tonnes or taking 940 cars off the road, as a third of the city’s annual electricity use is accounted by public lighting.

“Sydney will be the first city in Australia to install the new LED street and park lights across its entire city centre, and joins other major cities such as Berlin, Barcelona, Los Angeles, and San Francisco,” Ms Moore said.

According to the City of Sydney, the council previously participated in an international trial of LED lighting with London, New York and Hong Kong with international environment organization, the Climate Group.

GE Lighting Australia and New Zealand managing director, Nathan Dunn said the lighting will save up to 75 per cent of energy compared to incandescent light sources, while lasting up to 25 times longer.