HC Deb 16 February 1983 vol 37 cc286-7
11. Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what response he has received to his consultation document on the draft dim-dip lighting regulations for new vehicles.

Mrs. Chalker

We have received a very favourable response. Organisations representing motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, street lighting and road safety experts and the police have welcomed the principle of dim-dip. Opposition has been confined largely to some vehicle manufacturers and traders, and two campaigning organisations. There has been opposition from the vehicle manufacturers and from an organisation campaigning for the mandatory use of dipped headlights.

Mr. Pawsey

I thank my hon. Friend for that typically helpful and comprehensive reply. Can she say what benefits will result from the introduction of dim-dip headlamps? Bearing in mind the success that we enjoyed with the dipped headlight campaign that her Department ran some time ago, why does she propose to introduce new regulations on the subject now?

Mrs. Chalker

The use of dim-dip headlights, if approved by the House, will make it impossible for someone to drive on side lights only without the need for enforcement activity. It will also give drivers the option of using dim-dip headlights at any time if they wish to be readily visible without there being a risk of glare. Dim-dip headlights do not create the same problem of dazzle that dipped headlights often do. On unlit roads and at night, normal headlights in the dipped position will continue to be required, but the general consensus seems to be that this is a useful step. I await further comments, although 37 organisations have responded and supported the dim-dip device.

Mr. Higgins

Will my hon. Friend take into account the appalling extent to which cyclists now drive at night without any rear lights? Will she consider a television advertisement that brings to the attention of cyclists the dangers that they and other road users are subjected to because of that?

Mrs. Chalker

I entirely agree with my right hon. Friend. Cyclists who drive at night without illumination are putting themselves in great jeopardy. One can see that from the accidents that cyclists suffer. I hope that it will not be necessary to mount an expensive campaign, but we shall continue to monitor what they are doing about their illumination. They would help themselves if they wore reflective armbands and sashes at all times—day and night.

Mr. Booth

Will the Minister confirm that these draft regulations will apply only to new vehicles that are not yet registered? That being the case, does she agree that all the problems that she has just described will continue in existing vehicles? Does she agree that this must therefore be an unsatisfactory way of dealing with the problem?

Mrs. Chalker

It is necessary to see the issue in context. The right hon. Gentleman is quite right to say that the suggestion is that the proposed dim-dip regulations would apply to new vehicles, but it is possible to fit a dim-dip device to existing vehicles, although that would be expensive for some motorists. It is worth bearing in mind the present rate of renewal of cars. I am sure, also, that many motorists will want to take advantage of the fact that they can adapt their lights to have a dim-dip facility. Although it will not cure the problem, the proper regulation of headlights will greatly help those who do not have a dim-dip device.