asked the Minister for Local Government whether, in view of the serious danger to traffic caused by car and lorry headlight dazzle, he will consider introducing proposals for legislation to standardise such lighting, and thus eliminate much of the danger caused by over-equipped and discourteous road users.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Car Lights.
The Mechanically Propelled Vehicles (Construction, Equipment and Use) (Amendment) Order, 1948, provides that every lamp on a motor vehicle capable of dazzling must be equipped with a dimming or dipping device. Section 50 of the Road Traffic Act, 1933, makes it an offence for a person to drive a motor vehicle without exercising reasonable consideration for other road users. It appears that what is wanted in this, as in other road safety matters, is the exercise of more consideration by road users rather than the enactment of more legislation.
Will the Minister say whether or not it is compulsory to use this device? It is compulsory to have it on your car. Is it compulsory to use it?
The law makes no provision for it.
The remainder of the questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.