The UK Transport Ministry has granted a total of $332m (£225m) to the councils of Hampshire, West Sussex and Southampton councils to improve street lighting.

The money will be used to replace nearly 149,000 lighting columns, install around 280 new columns and upgrade nearly 14,000 traffic signs.

The scheme is expected to encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport as well as improve road safety by helping drivers follow signs safely.

The individual Private Finance Initiative contracts of the councils have been signed with Tay Valley Lighting.