Labor ministers are being urged to take urgent action against LED headlights that blind other drivers – after motorists warned that modern cars’ beams are too intense
Pressure is mounting on the government to crack down on dangerously bright LED headlights as motorists await the results of an investigation into the issue.
Last year the RAC called on the government to commission an independent inquiry into the issue of headlight glare, after a survey of 2,000 motorists found that nine in 10 believe that at least some car headlights on the road today are too bright.
According to AA President Edmund King, in a separate AA poll, three-quarters said they have been “blinded” by oncoming headlights.
But the results of a government investigation into the problem will not be released until the summer, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said.
In a written response to a parliamentary question from Labor MP Graeme Downie, Ms Greenwood said: ‘National collision statistics, which may record headlight glare as a contributing factor, do not show any discernible trend to suggest that advances in lighting technology are contributing negatively to collisions with road vehicles.
‘However, given increased public concern, the Government has commissioned independent research to better understand the root causes of headlight glare and develop possible countermeasures.
“This work is ongoing and is expected to be completed in summer 2025.”
Last year the RAC called on the government to commission an independent inquiry into the issue of headlight glare after a survey of 2,000 motorists found that nine in 10 believe that at least some headlights on cars used today driving on the road, being too bright (stock image)
Data shows that dazzling headlights were a contributing factor in 216 incidents in 2023 (stock image)
The results of a government investigation into the problem will not be released until the summer, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said (pictured)
Data shows that dazzling headlights played a role in 216 incidents in 2023, up from 211 in 2022.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: ‘Few issues we face have caused as much of a reaction among motorists as the brightness of headlights.’
And Mr King said: ‘Our members tell us they are feeling the strain of brighter headlights more than ever before.
‘Conversely, they also say that brighter light increases road safety. The problem appears to be with the LED lighting on taller vehicles, such as SUVs.’
Dunfermline and Dollar Mr Downie told the PA news agency: ‘I’m pleased this is something the Government are now looking at.’