§ 9. Mr. Colin Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions the Government advertisement on the correct usage of rear fog lights has been shown on commercial television channels; and if he is satisfied with its effect.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThis short public service information film has been shown 94 times on independent television since the beginning of November in unsold advertising time at no cost to Her Majesty's Government. Since it does not form part of a specific road safety campaign, it has not been subject to formal evaluation, but I am satisfied that the item is effective.
§ Mr. ShepherdI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does she agree that the problem is by no means extinct and that more and more rear fog lights continue to be used on motorways and main roads when it is not foggy and visibility is not restricted? Does she agree that, as rear fog lights are about 20 times as intense as ordinary rear lights, if everyone used them there would be a severe danger due to lack of visibility? Does she further agree that it would be useful if the campaign were drawn into the road safety campaign so that the problem can be nailed once and for all?
§ Mrs. ChalkerI entirely agree with my hon. Friend that the misuse of rear fog lights is a real problem. There are limited occasions when it is necessary to have them on. The problem is a recent one, as more cars have recently been fitted with rear fog lamps. We are examining the matter carefully. If it seems necessary, I shall consider the improvement of tell-tale arrangements, such as exist for hazard warning lights inside vehicles, that warn the driver that the rear fog lights are on. We are including a new and special paragraph in the revision of the highway code. I shall see what can be done to ensure that it can be better made known to motorists so that they do not misuse their rear fog lights.