§ 25. Mr. Isaacsasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if his attention has been drawn to the large stop and direction lights on cars recently coming on to the roads fitted with lamps of a very high power which, in the hours of darkness, dazzle the drivers of following cars; and if, in the interests of road safety, he is now ready to make regulations laying down a maximum brilliance of such lamps, as a result of his consultation with the car industry.
§ Mr. NugentWe have recently circulated proposals for changes in the law relating to direction indicators, including one to limit the intensity of trafficator lights. We have also discussed with the industry the problem as it affects stop lights, and a maximum intensity has been included in the standard of recommended practice recently issued by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
§ Mr. IsaacsDoes the Minister realise that we are grateful for the action he has taken to meet this very great inconvenience? I saw a car the other night with a stop light 4 in. across. It had a warship searchlight in it instead of a bulb. This is a terrible menace. I am sure that all motorists who have to drive at night will be grateful when action is taken.
§ Mr. E. JohnsonDoes my hon. Friend not think that the time has very nearly come when he must stop consulting and must make regulations to deal with these matters? This great diversity of lights is a real danger to motorists.
§ Mr. NugentMy right hon. Friend has undertaken to make regulations as from the beginning of next year with all new registered vehicles. We have every intention of keeping to that programme.