Vol. 560 No. 1
919 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, in the interests of enhanced road safety, he will request all county managers to direct their staff to use dipped headlights at all times while driving a vehicle on official business, or while driving an official vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1506/03]
The use of dipped headlights, daytime running lights, is not currently subject to regulation.
Recently the EU Commission decided to undertake a comprehensive study into the use of daytime running lights. The general aim of the project is to assess the positive road safety effect of daytime running lights use and to investigate the possible and perceived negative effects, including such effect on vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and motorcyclists. It is intended that the results of this study should inform the future requirements of the EU in this regard.
A pilot campaign by Dublin City Council to encourage the use of daytime running lights on a voluntary basis in the greater Dublin area has recently been completed. The effects of the campaign are currently being evaluated for the city council.
Pending the outcome of the comprehensive EU study the Minister for Transport does not propose to take any decision in regard to the use of daytime running lights in Ireland. Consequently, I do not propose to issue any instruction to local authorities in the matter at this time.
