§ Mr. Roger Kingasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether he will suspend the dim-dip lighting regulations due for introduction on 1 October in view of the decision by the European Economic Community to take the matter to the European Court of Justice;
(2) what is his estimate of the current cost per car of installing dim-dip equipment; and how this compares with his original estimate;
(3) whether he is satisfied with the technical standards of proposed dim-dip installations specified for fitment on all cars sold in the United Kingdom from 1 October.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe lighting regulations require dim-dip devices on most vehicles whih are both manufactured from 1 October 1986 and first registered from 1 April 1987. I understand the European Commission is preparing an application to the European Court arguing56W that our regulations should include an exemption for those vehicles that satisfy the requirement of the lighting installation directive. This is not, in my view, a reason for suspending the regulations.
Such development work done by manufacturers over the last three years, about which I have information, has confirmed our original view that dim-dip can be provided quite simply and at a cost which will generally amount to a few pounds per vehicle.
The Department is satisfied that the technical requirements will ensure adequate conspicuity without the risk of glare, thus increasing road safety in well lit streets, in dull weather and in twilight.