§ Mr. Speedasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his most recent estimate of the proportion of cars driving on side lights only and on dipped headlights in built up areas at night.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe last survey carried out by the Department, which was in 1978, showed that 83 per cent. of car drivers were using dipped headlights in built-up areas at night. The usage rate was 76 per cent. in large towns and 88 per cent. in other areas with street lighting. The remaining drivers were using side lights. A smaller scale survey carried out by the Automobile Association in 1982 showed that 92 per cent. of drivers were using headlights on well lit roads. These figures exclude the twilight period before lighting up time when most drivers use side lights.