Labour is looking at the introduction of new headlight rules in a bid to cut down the risk of glare while behind the wheel. The Department for Transport has confirmed it will conduct “further research” before new proposals could be put forward to update the rules.
Last year, the Government commissioned a report into headlight glare in a bid to boost road safety. Consultancy group TRL conducted the study, finding that existing requirements in vehicle lighting regulations may “not be sufficient to address issues of glare from vehicle lights”.
The report called on DfT to develop proposals for regulatory amendments building on findings from their research. The DFT’s latest Road Safety Strategy reacted to the findings, promising that action would now be taken.
The report said: “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.”
According to the DfT, of more than 1,800 UK drivers surveyed, more than half have completely stopped or reduced time spent behind the wheel at night due to glare. The DfT also explained that their initial findings indicate that vehicle height and lighting technologies may be contributing to the issue.
The swathe of drivers switching from driving low-sitting hatchbacks to heavy SUVs may also be behind the concern around dazzle, with motorists unaccustomed to a different seating position.
Research from Confused.com found that almost two in five (18%) of road users struggle to see clearly when driving in the dark. Meanwhile, over 53% of those polled believed that LED headlights on newer cars are too bright and dazzling.
Rhydian Jones, motor expert at Confused.com said: “In response to these issues, the government have announced proposals to gather better data on drivers’ experiences of glare, increasing public awareness of when glare is most likely to occur, and carrying out further research into vehicle design.
“It's positive to see that the government are taking this issue in road safety seriously, and setting out sensible steps towards tackling real concerns.”