LEGISLATION that will force all drivers to switch their lights on during daylight hours has been attacked by MP Greg Knight.
The local representative is furious that the European Union will issue a directive stating that all vehicles built from 2011 must have the daylight lamps fitted as standard.
He fears that the move will increase fuel consumption and emissions by ab
out five per cent.
Mr Knight, who is chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicle Group, said: “In an age when we are all being told we must reduce our emissions this move, which increases them, just does not make sense.
“There is no UK benefit and the whole episode is a sorry state of affairs.
“The British government actually agrees with me and has opposed these proposals but such is the extent of the power we have now ceded to the EU, that our own government is powerless to stop these misguided moves.
“It may be that daytime running lights are a sensible idea for a Scandinavian winter but we do not need them here in the UK and they will increase fuel consumption across every European country, for every new car, in every season.
“This one size must fit all European attitude to law-making is pathetic and quite unnecessary. “Why should motorists in the UK, France and Spain have to use lights – even during the summer?”
The MP has, however, welcomed ‘a partial victory’ for campaigners against the measure, meaning that existing cars will have to use their headlights all day.
The full article contains 263 words and appears in Pocklington Post newspaper.
