A new government-commissioned study confirms that bright vehicle headlights are causing significant problems for UK drivers. Research by consultancy TRL found that 33% of drivers are now driving less at night or have stopped completely due to headlight glare.
An additional 22% of surveyed drivers wish to reduce night driving but feel compelled to continue. The findings validate what many motorists have long complained about as evenings get darker.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is stepping up surveillance to intercept illegal retrofit headlamp bulbs. A Department for Transport spokesperson said: «Alongside this, DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) is stepping up surveillance to intercept the sale of illegal retrofit headlamp bulbs for on-road use and anyone caught could face a fine of up to £2,500.»
Study Methodology
TRL conducted over 50 hours of night-time road testing using a camera-equipped car to measure headlight luminance. The RAC surveyed 1,850 UK drivers about their experiences.
Researchers found glare increased when the test car traveled uphill or around right-hand bends. There was also tentative indication that larger vehicles like SUVs may be more associated with glare.
Dr Shaun Helman, the lead researcher at TRL, said: «This research provides compelling evidence that glare from vehicle lighting is a genuine issue for UK drivers, and can be measured in real driving conditions. [...] These objective findings are a first step to take glare from anecdotal complaints into the realm of scientific evaluation.»
Industry Response
Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, welcomed the findings: «Having campaigned hard for this study, we welcome its findings, which independently confirm what drivers have been telling us - that rather than being an imagined phenomenon, some bright headlights do cause a glare problem.»
He added: «While drivers clearly benefit from high-performing headlights, it's important this doesn't lead to others suffering the effects of dazzle, so a balance needs to be struck.»
The Department for Transport acknowledged the frustration: «We know headlight glare is frustrating for many drivers, especially as the evenings get darker. That's why we commissioned this independent research to better understand the causes and impact of glare, and to help inform future negotiations on international vehicle standards.»
Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at IAM RoadSmart, questioned current safeguards: «While focus will be on amending international regulations of new vehicles, that doesn't solve the issue with those cars on the roads today. The MOT test does provide for inspections of lights, including intensity, but whether this is providing adequate safeguards for other motorists is debatable.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
