§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if his Department is aware of any evidence linking the dazzle of rear braking lights fitted on the rear windows of motor vehicles and serious injuries and deaths on British roads;
100W(2)if his Department has any information on the fitting as standard by manufacturers of rear braking lights in the rear windows of motor vehicles;
(3)if he has any plans to introduce legislation to prohibit the installation of rear braking lights in the rear windows of motor vehicles.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe are not aware of any serious injuries or deaths on British roads due to dazzle from brake lights fitted in the rear windows of cars.
Volvo fit a centre brake light in the rear window of their cars as standard.
We have issued for consultation revised vehicle lighting regulations which will prohibit the fitting of brake lights in the rear windows of new cars in future unless they are half as bright as normal brake lights. Such a lamp should provide the benefit which the centre brake light can bring without the dangers of unwanted dazzle to which the hon. Member refers.