‘Give lighter evenings a chance’, says IAM

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) calls for MPs to back the Lighter Later campaign ahead of the second reading of the “Lighter Later” Bill to take place tomorrow (Friday 3 December).

An IAM poll of more than 2000 respondents (from both members and non-members) found that most would support giving the GMT + 1 (winter) GMT + 2 (summer) system of daylight hours a try.

Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research said: “The improvement this change might have on road safety is of primary importance. Anything that continues the downward trend in road deaths has got to be a good thing. Children are more likely to be out-and-about after school; an extra hour of daylight will make them more visible to road users.

“We urge MPs to back the three-year trial of the new daylight system. With over 40 per cent supporting a trial of the change, and a further 23 percent opting for an immediate and permanent move to this new system, it is clear that there is a lot of support for the bill.”

The poll showed that nearly 40 per cent thought that this change from the current GMT (winter) GMT + 1 (summer) system would improve quality of life by giving longer evenings and thus more usable leisure time. A further 16 per cent believe the change will reduce road deaths, and 15 per cent think saving energy by reducing lighting requirements will be the main benefit.

Mr Greig continued: “If the trial period proves the new daylight hours to be a disadvantage, it is clear that the current system should be reinstated. However with convincing evidence of the potential benefits, it seems only right that a possibility for better living conditions is given a chance to run.”

Tags: lighter evenings