← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Vehicle Headlight Glare Standards
29 October 2025
Lead MP
Peter Lamb
Crawley
Lab
Responding Minister
Simon Lightwood
Tags
No tags
Word Count: 7892
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Peter Lamb raised concerns about vehicle headlight glare standards in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The motion calls for a new standard for vehicle headlight glare to ensure that headlights do not exceed safe levels of brightness in the UK. It seeks assurances from the government about addressing this issue through the road safety strategy.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The issue of vehicle headlight glare has been raised by many constituents and polling indicates that 80% of all drivers are concerned about it. On average each year, police are called to 280 collisions and six fatal collisions where headlight glare is cited as having played a role in causing the accident. The problem is exacerbated by poor alignment of headlights, increased adoption of SUV-style cars, and the replacement of traditional halogen lightbulbs with LEDs.
Brian Mathew
LD
Melksham and Devizes
Highlights issues with automatic headlight dipping systems not responding until they sense an oncoming light directly, leading to increased road irritation and danger.
David Taylor
Lab
Hemel Hempstead
Notes the issue affects drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in Hemel Hempstead's rural areas, with 9 out of 10 drivers affected by glare and 7 out of 10 believing it has worsened over recent years.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Agrees with the need for more research to understand the negative impacts of LED lights on younger people and their ability to drive at night.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Mr. Smith highlighted that the issue is not just about comfort, it also affects access and safety for drivers, particularly older drivers or those in rural areas. He cited data showing a significant number of vehicles failing MOT tests due to misaligned headlights.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Highlights safety concerns in rural areas due to vehicle headlight glare, noting that 61% of drivers report an increase in the problem over the past year. Calls for practical glare tests during annual inspections and improved road safety.
Lauren Edwards
Lab
Rochester and Strood
Concerned about the role that increasing glare from headlights could be playing in increasing social isolation among older constituents, particularly during winter. Highlights the increasing number of SUVs on UK roads, noting their potential contribution to glare issues due to size and LED lighting. Urges government urgency in addressing this issue.
Newton Abbot
Acknowledges the issue's importance in rural communities like Newton Abbot, suggesting regulation of brightness, colour temperature, and headlight height to manage glare. Proposes using type approvals and manufacturing standards to ensure safe and consistent lighting.
Olly Glover
LD
Didcot and Wantage
Discussed the economic impact of reduced night driving in rural areas, highlighting the need to strengthen MOT requirements and address the under-representation of headlight glare incidents. Emphasised that poorly aligned or aftermarket LED conversions sold online are a concern.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Acknowledges the debate's importance, emphasizing the need for legislative changes and research on lighting to enhance road safety.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
As an optometrist, raises concerns about the link between modern car lighting and road safety, highlighting increased glare and potential life-threatening consequences of dazzling headlights. Concerned about the UK being the only European country allowing drivers over 70 years old without requiring a sight test. Proposes regular sight tests at initial licence application and every three years from age 70.
Government Response
Simon Lightwood
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Government Response
Acknowledges the seriousness of headlight glare and its impact on road users, especially older drivers. The Government is working to develop a new standard with international partners, aiming to introduce mandatory automatic headlamp levelling in September 2027. Additional research is being conducted to identify vehicle design factors contributing to increased glare.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.