§ 45. Mr. Costainasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what reasons have prompted him to make it compulsory to use headlights on all roads during lighting-up hours.
§ Dr. GilbertI hope to improve road safety by helping all road users to see oncoming vehicles more clearly and helping drivers to see unlit parked vehicles. I laid the regulations before this House on 27th October, with the intention that they will come into operation on Monday 17th November.
§ Mr. Fryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment which organisations were consulted about the new regulations to make the use of headlights compulsory at all times during the hours of darkness, and if he will indicate those which supported and those which objected to this new law.
§ Dr. GilbertI consulted about 150 organisations representing different classes of road users, local authorities, motor manufacturers, professional engineers and other interested persons. It would not be right for me to reveal what advice, if any,208W particular organisations gave me, but I can say that a clear majority of the replies I received was in favour of the new regulations.