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Dipped Headlights

Volume 25: debated on Wednesday 16 June 1982

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7.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received about making the use of dipped headlights compulsory in built-up areas at night.

A total of 27 representations have been received during the past 12 months from road safety committees and organisations and individual members of the public.

Nineteen of these were in favour of the compulsory use of dipped headlights at all times at night and eight were against.

Will my hon. Friend confirm that there is a great deal of evidence to show that dipped headlights are safer than sidelights in built-up areas, specially for pedestrians? Will she consider introducing legislation to make dipped headlights compulsory in such areas?

We know that the use of dipped headlights in lit streets at night is already over 80 per cent. where the area is poorly lit. It is right that we take into account the fact that headlights, particularly halogen headlights, can dazzle, particularly on wet roads. I am glad to tell my hon. Friend that the dim-dip device which has been under research, and which I saw in action yesterday, is now being consulted upon by my Department with the industry, the police and motoring and road safety organisations.

Does the Minister recall that several years ago the suggestion of the compulsory use of dipped headlights was introduced in the House by means of regulations? Those regulations were rejected. At that time the Transport and Road Research Laboratory advised that dipped headlights, did not necessarily improve safety, and that glare and dazzle, and increased shadows, provided enormous problems which outweighed any safety considerations. Will she therefore reject any suggestion that motorists should be compelled to use dipped headlights at night?

The hon. Member has explained clearly why the House was right years ago to reject the compulsory use of dipped headlights. However, I hope that he will welcome the move to dim-dip headlights, which give an added opportunity for the vehicle to be seen, and that he will encourage all motorists to use dipped headlights where they are uncertain about the conditions.

Will my hon. Friend accept the congratulations of the House on her investigations into dim-dip devices, and will she make sure that she includes the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents among the consultees in those discussions?