Government Launches Independent Probe Into Headlight Glare

In April the Conservative government outlined that it was to begin an investigation into the issue of headlight glare on the UK’s roads.

With Labour now in power, Lilian Greenwood, the new Minister for the Future of Roads at the DfT, has doubled down on the move, confirming that an independent investigation is set to take place immediately.

The independent study into the matter is partly thanks to the RAC, which has been speaking to drivers about the matter since 2018. The results of this suggest that 85 per cent of road users feel that the issue is more commonplace than it once was. Of those who felt negatively about the problem, 91 per cent said they get dazzled when driving, with nearly three-quarters confirming that being dazzled by an oncoming car was something that happened regularly.

Headlight specifications are internationally governed, and while brighter, more piercing headlights do give road users a clearer picture of what is ahead, the upshot of the latest specification of headlights is that they can become dazzling to oncoming traffic. 

The issue is particularly bad for us bikers, especially when riding in wet weather with spots of rain on the visor. The reflection of headlights on a wet road is also sometimes worse for motorcyclists, as we have a generally higher view of the road ahead and less bodywork ahead of the rider to shield our eyes from the glare.

Speaking about the progress with the issue, RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said: “We are delighted to see a commitment from the new Government that independent research into the issue of dazzling headlights is being commissioned, especially with darker evenings now on the way.

“We hope it leads to a better understanding of what is a complex problem, but one that is undoubtedly affecting drivers up and down the country – in fact, more drivers have contacted us with their concerns about this topic than any other in recent times.

“We’ve worked hard over a number of years to raise this topic on drivers’ behalf and now look forward to supporting the Department for Transport in this piece of work.”

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