Yes they have used fluorescent lights in public roads as streetlights, there were many different ones actually...such as the G.E. 206S Fluorescent Street Lights, and those
Westinghouse Whiteways which were used in New York City
There were places like Chicago had fluorescent lights which was installed in 1958 which can be seen
here A lot of those fluros are gone.....but there's some that remains and in service..... I have seen a good number still in service and working, but often they are out.....
For identifying fluoros, an actual picture will be the best, and often those fluorescent fixtures often have brand name on the end of the fixtures (front side) which may give a lead....