: : November 2006 Those jolly chaps at the European Parliament are at it again. Their latest wheeze is a proposal that all drivers in all member states drive at all times with their headlights on or face prosecution. It is seen by many as a way of reducing their country's road casualty figures and a number of the more powerful states are thought to be in favor. There is strong UK government opposition to the plan though, headed by East Yorkshire MP Greg Knight Chairman of the All Party Historic Vehicle Group, which represents our interests in Parliament. This latest proposal he has called a law drawn up by “regulation-ridden, pen-pushing nincompoop Eurocrats”. He went to on state; “In some EU countries it’s not light until 09.30 or 10.00 in the morning and is dark again by 14.30 or 15.00. In this country there are many periods of good strong light during the winter, so to say that motorists should have their headlights on at all times is inappropriate. The one-size-fits-all approach really doesn’t work when one considers the climate and number of daylight hours of EU member countries.” There is also the problem of the reduction in the visibility of motorcyclists, many of whom now ride with headlights on during the daytime. Instead of being fairly easy to see, they would be lost in the visual clutter and light pollution that would result if this law is passed. It would also not be feasible for many of our classics to run with lights on all the time. Here of course I’m thinking of those cars that use dynamos, can you imagine the number of flat batteries you would have? So, at the moment it is a proposal, we must wait for any draft legislation before we all get really hot under the collar. October Noggin Natter Quite a busy meeting at the Blandings, although I don't think we had anyone who'd come for the first time. John & Linda Anderson's MGF finally attended its first meeting since its disagreement with a French car in June - a few minor points still to be taken up with the garage who repaired it, but nice to see it back on the road at last. Bryan Horrocks was absent again due to travel - at least this time he could carry his luggage on board with him, and didn't have to resort to wearing ladies trousers again due to lost luggage! So it is a little short this month, as you know I wasn’t able to attend either meeting due to commitments with the air ambulance, but I do have spies! < Return to previous page