Thousands of drivers have called on the UK Government to ban LED headlights in vehicles citing the danger headlight glare can cause while travelling.
The urgency can be seen with a petition gaining more than 2,300 signatures demanding that measures be put in place to ward off the use of LED headlights.
The petition, created by Gemma Mooney, will run until June 5 and argues that LED headlights are "dangerously bright" and cause difficulties for other road users.
Mooney stated that drivers are taught not to dazzle others, yet many motorists use LED headlights on full beam, creating potentially hazardous conditions.
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Around 14 per cent of drivers over the age of 65 would rather not drive than deal with headlight glare
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The campaign comes as the number of issues reported from headlight glare increases, with instances occurring more often during evenings and in the winter months.
An RAC survey revealed that 89 per cent of drivers find some car headlights too bright, with 28 per cent saying most headlights are overly bright. Among those affected by headlight brightness, 91 per cent reported being dazzled while driving, with 74 per cent saying this occurs regularly.
Two-thirds of affected drivers stated that they need to slow down until their vision clears, while 64 per cent believe some headlights could cause accidents.
Concerningly, seven per cent of drivers have resorted to avoiding night driving altogether due to headlight glare, rising to 14 per cent for those aged 65 and over.
Last year, the Government commissioned research into headlight glare, with practical trials now underway by the Transport Research Laboratory. The project, which began in October,is set to present its findings in Spring 2025. It involves using an instrumented car to measure light levels during real driving conditions on UK roads.
Researchers are examining multiple factors including surrounding vehicles, weather conditions and ambient lighting to understand what causes high brightness levels and glare.
The study includes a review of scientific evidence and engagement with stakeholders to develop recommendations for the Department for Transport to take forward in international working groups.
RAC road safety spokesperson 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."
Mike Bowen, Director of Research at The College of Optometrists, welcomed the investigation by the laboratory. He said the college was pleased to see TRL now working on further investigating the "questions relating to headlight glare".
Currently, drivers are legally permitted to use LED headlights if they were fitted by the manufacturer or are original equipment parts. But retrofitting LED headlights to cars originally sold with halogen bulbs are not allowed and could result in MOT failures.
One driver on social media described how they are "half blind most of the time" because their car sits lower to the ground. They added: "The other day a car pulled up behind me, and their headlights were so bright I could see more from their headlights behind my car than my own ones. I've had enough."
LED lights have been recorded as being more efficient and offering better visibility than conventional bulbs but have faced growing criticism over glare issues.
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Headlight glare can cause drivers to lose focus while travelling on roads
GETTYBaroness Dianne Hayter has supported the campaign, stating: "For anyone who suffers from headlight glare and wonders what is being done about it, this will be a very welcome announcement.
"We know some drivers have stopped driving at night, and we know concern about dazzle isn't only felt by drivers in the UK but further afield as well".
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