The Andy Burnham government is considering changes to headlights as drivers continue to complain about the glare from them. The Road Safety Strategy was announced back in January by former Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
Starmer was replaced by Mr Burnham as Labour Party leader last month, meaning any decisions on the Road Safety Strategy will be taken by the Makerfield MP.
Research into Headlight Glare
Earlier this year, the Department for Transport, then overseen by Sir Keir, commissioned ground-breaking research into glare from oncoming vehicles’ lights whilst driving at night.
Of over 1,800 UK drivers surveyed as part of the project, more than half have stopped or reduced driving at night due to perceived glare. Initial findings indicate that vehicle height and certain lighting technologies for example LED may be contributing to problems of glare, though further research is needed to confirm this.
Government Strategy Details
The strategy details: "The government will undertake further research aimed at identifying what vehicle design factors may be responsible for increased headlamp glare."
"This will be done for a range of different vehicle makes and models, and could then be used to generate proposals for amendments to international vehicle lighting regulations at the UN."
"In parallel, the DVSA will step up its market surveillance activities to catch those attempting to sell illegal retrofit headlamp bulbs in the UK."
This means any decision on changes to headlight glare will be the responsibility of Mr Burnham.
Highway Code and RAC Response
Highway Code Rule 114 states drivers MUST NOT use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. It also says motorists MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “Dazzle from headlights is now a perennial problem for drivers and it’s clearer than ever that they want to see something done.”
“For some it’s just a mild annoyance but for others it’s tangibly affecting their lives as drivers – from feeling less safe or confident behind the wheel to avoiding nighttime journeys altogether, even if that means missing appointments or opportunities to spend time with friends and family.”
“Drivers consistently tell us the height of vehicles, and the apparent colour of headlights are contributors to glare, so these are two areas we believe the Government should consider in its next stage of research.”
“Headlight glare is a complicated area and there’s sadly no simple ‘fix’ that will eradicate it. But for the first time ever there is now a concerted effort – both in the UK and internationally – to tackle it. We’re grateful to every driver who has contacted us, often with great passion, about this issue and we’re proud to be at the forefront of the search for possible remedies.”
