A lamp post is a source of light which is at the edges or corners of roads. Its meant for providing lights to the general public at night time. It is on a raised platform, like a post or pillar, so as to maximize the area lighted by it.

It is called or referred to by many names like: Street light, street post, street lamp, light or lamp standard, etc. Such sources of light are lit every night at a particular time from a main center. This center is a place which regulates the functioning of all the lamp posts in a particular area, or of the whole city. These lights are then shut off at a particular time each morning.

Modern technology provides a facility of turning the lamp posts on or off, very easily and without much hassle. If we simply substitute the old lamp posts to the new ones which are sensitive to light, then the new lamp posts will automatically get switched on or off at dusk or dawn, as required. Such modern lamp posts have light sensitive devices which have photocells, and get activated or de-activated whenever light falls on them or gets removed.

Also, if such modern lamp posts are in use, then they automatically get switched on during dark weather conditions.

Street lamps or lights can be on a separate post, or can be hung from wires such as telephone wires, etc. One Post may also have many street lights sprouting from it. Such lights can be found at junctions or at crossroads.

Lamp posts have many advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

1) They provide light during night, and hence reduce the probability of accidents.

2)They provide Light during dark weather conditions, or during foggy winter nights.

3)They can be charged very easily using solar cells and other methods of solar charging.

4)They are also used for Security Lightning.

Disadvantages:

1) Loss of night vision. This phenomenon takes place when drivers driving vehicles are blinded by the bright Light emitted from the lamp posts. Due to this, accidents may take place.

2)Stray voltage or current may leak to electric poles and hence cause danger to all the living organisms near it. If some one touches a lamp post which contains stray voltage, he may be electrocuted till death.

3)Other dangers, like destruction of the lamp post, or the breakage of the lamp post during storms may also take place.

Hence, Lamp posts can have their own advantages or disadvantages but are the major source of street lightning, and greatly help to fight darkness during night time, thereby increasing the visibility and reducing the danger of accidents.