The UK government is planning to research the impact of bright headlights, particularly LED lights, on other road users after numerous complaints from drivers about being dazzled at night.
The government is considering taking action to reduce the intensity of car headlights after receiving reports from drivers about being dazzled at night. Motorists have stated that they are experiencing 'the strain' of brighter headlights 'more than ever before,' according to campaigners.
However, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood, when asked about the government's assessment of the safety of LED headlights, said that statistics 'do not show any discernible trend to suggest that advances in lighting technology are contributing negatively' to road vehicle collisions. \The AA has reported that its members have indicated that LED lights on vehicles are among the factors contributing to them being 'blinded' while driving, as stated by its president, Edmund King. Labour MP Graeme Downie, who posed the initial written question in Parliament, also expressed concern that some drivers are 'less aware of the impact their own lighting might have on others.' \According to national collision data, dazzling headlights were a contributing factor in 216 incidents in 2023. This included 11 collisions each in Kent and Surrey, the council areas most affected. While this figure is up from 211 the previous year, it is down from 315 in 2017 and 309 a decade ago. The government anticipates that independent research examining headlight glare will be published this summer. \Mr. King stated: 'Our own research shows it is an issue for some drivers with three quarters saying they have been blinded by oncoming headlights.' Our members tell us they are feeling the strain of brighter headlights more than ever before, as well as brighter brake and traffic lights. Conversely, they also say brighter lights enhance road safety. The problem seems to be LED lights on higher vehicles such as SUVs. The government-sponsored investigation into the use of LED lights on our roads should help clarify this issue further, as well as provide appropriate measures where needed.' \Mr. Downie, the MP for Dunfermline and Dollar in Scotland, told the PA news agency: 'I have heard from constituents, as well as from family and friends and my own experience driving round the constituency that cars with newer LED lights can be blinding for other road users.'While they might illuminate the road well for the driver, they dazzle in the eyes of other road users and could be dangerous. In addition, technology such as automatic beam control that is more common means some drivers are less aware of the impact their own lighting might have on others.'The safety of individual drivers cannot be at the expense of other road users and pedestrians. I am glad this is something the Government is now looking at and I look forward to the results and what action can be taken to improve road safety.' \RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis remarked: 'Few issues we deal with have triggered quite as much of a reaction among drivers as the brightness of headlights. It's clear that, for a proportion of the driving public, glare affects them profoundly on the roads at night.'But while the frustration is evident, the causes of the problem and what can be done about it are much less clear. That's why the Government-funded project is so important.' \Ms Greenwood, in her written reply to Mr Downie, stated: 'National collision statistics, which can record headlamp dazzle as a contributory factor, do not show any discernible trend to suggest that advances in lighting technology are contributing negatively to road vehicle collisions.' However, acknowledging the rise in public concern, the government has commissioned independent research to better understand the root causes of headlamp glare and develop potential countermeasures. This work is underway and is due to deliver in summer 2025.'
HEADLIGHTS LED LIGHTS ROAD SAFETY DRIVER COMPLAINTS GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION
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