Otherwise knwon as daytime running lights
Plans have been resurrected to fit all new cars with daytime running lights. The proposals have been met with fierce opposition from car manufacturers and safety groups claim cyclists and pedestrians will be put at risk. Under the plans, which were announced by Günter Verheugen, vice president of the European Commission, all new cars will have to be fitted with this equipment in three years.
For it to be put in place European ministers and European parliament must give it approval. ‘The introduction of Daytime Running Light for cars, trucks and buses makes them more visible, which will increase road safety. This will make a positive contribution to our goal of reducing fatalities on European roads whilst being more fuel efficient then existing lights,’ said Mr Verheugen.
Car manufacturers have questioned the thinking behind the proposals, saying they will be harmful to the environment. ‘There are mixed opinions on this,’ said a spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. ‘There is a small risk that some drivers will forget to switch on their headlights at night. We think there could also be confusion among road users between these lights and front fog lamps. Even though we accept this is supposed to be a safety measure, it could also add to carbon emissions exactly when car makers are under pressure from Brussels to cut them.’
Concern was also raised by Tim Kirkhope, a Tory Euro-MP and former Home Office minister. ‘When the commission first mooted compulsory daytime running lights, MEPs were inundated with letters from cyclists concerned that daytime lights would make it more difficult for them to be seen. If all cars have lights on, there is a concern that drivers start looking out for lights, rather than pedestrians or cyclists. At a time when we are pushing for reductions in the use of fuel and resultant emissions, we must be certain we are not causing extra carbon emissions without an additional benefit.’