Headlights under review as long nights bring rise in dazzle fears

With nights getting longer, and the clocks going back, the bright glare from oncoming traffic has caught the attention of the government, which is considering changes to headlight standards and a clampdown on illegal sales of overly powerful bulbs.

- Jasper Jolly

SUVs' headlights can dazzle others

More than a quarter of drivers say bright headlights made them nervous of driving in the dark, according to a survey published yesterday by the RAC motoring services company.

The problem is expected to be addressed in a new road safety strategy from the government before the end of the year. It is understood it will then propose amendments to international vehicle lighting regulations overseen by the UN.

The government commissioned independent research on the causes of headlight glare more than 18 months ago, with the findings finally expected to come by the time of the new road safety strategy.

That is expected to include a pledge of further research on vehicle makes and models to identify exactly what sort of factors may be responsible for increased glare.