I wish to advise that light emitting diode (LED) and high intensity discharge (HID) headlights are known to provide greater brightness, improved colour rendering, increase efficiency and, in the case of LED in particular, longer performance life.
I am aware that concerns have been expressed in some quarters in relation to the brightness of headlights, in particular LED and HID headlights. The use of headlights in the EU?is regulated by the European type-approval system, which establishes the technical and safety standards required for a vehicle or component to be placed on the European market, through eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/858/oj/engtransposed by www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2020/si/556/made/en/print- European Union (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval and Market Surveillance) Regulations 2020. Accordingly, if a headlight has been type-approved and entered into service, it is considered safe to use within the EU.
During roadworthiness testing, a vehicle lighting system is tested to ensure it is in working order and correctly aligned for the safe performance of the vehicle. Factors which can contribute to headlamp glare include misaligned, dirty or damaged headlamps or the use of incorrect bulbs or unapproved components.
As the standards for these lights are regulated at EU level, any engagement with vehicle suppliers would be based on the type approval required. However, as with any concerns over vehicle safety, I am willing to consider evidence-based policy reviews in relation to their use.
I understand that the UNECE Working Party on Lighting and Light-Signalling is investigating this issue, and the European Commission has confirmed that it is part of its newly established task force. Currently, the task force is conducting research on the causes of glare and will provide recommendations to the Working Party when the report is completed. Both I and the Department, with the Road Safety Authority, will be guided by that work.
