New EU car light directive 'barmy'

A new directive from the European Union requiring all new cars to drive with dipped lights during the day has been criticised as 'barmy', the Daily Express reports.

Beginning from the summer of 2011, all new vehicles must have a day headlamp fitted into the vehicle which activate when the car is turned on.

Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat's transport spokesman, warned that the new directive would put motorcyclists in greater danger as they will be difficult to distinguish from other vehicles.

"Motorcyclists [will] lose the advantage they presently have as the only vehicles regularly to use lights in daytime. It will also cause confusion for drivers between rear lights and brake lights. The last thing we need is road safety compromised by barmy directives from Brussels," he told the Daily Express.

RAC spokesperson, Adrian Tink, said that the new directive was fuel inefficient and will add to the cost of driving and be bad for the environment.

The move follows 12 European states and Canada who require motorists to drive with headlights on during the day.