The Government is to examine the issue of headlight glare on the back of warnings from road safety groups and drivers.

The Department for Transport said it would commission an independent study on headlight glare

The Department for Transport said it would commission an independent study after research showed an overwhelming majority of drivers affected – as many as eight in 10 – believe the problem is getting worse.

The Government said: “Recognising the need for further evidence [regarding headlight glare], we intend to commission independent research shortly.”

The move comes after road safety organisations including the AA and the RAC warned that drivers are being blinded by headlights, bringing significant road safety risks.

Thousands of drivers have now signed a petition set up by a member of the public. This follows campaigning on the issue by the RAC, the College of Optometrists, Baroness Hayter – head of the LightAware group – and others, who met with the Department for Transport at their offices in Whitehall in January.

Baroness Hayter said: “This is a victory for all those drivers affected by glare who’ve complained to their MP, signed the parliamentary petition, or indeed sought help from an optometrist – only to discover the problem was with headlights, and not their eyes. This is an issue the RAC has long campaigned on and I am delighted the Government has recognised there is a real problem. We look forward to discussing its research in due course.”

Recent research by the AA saw three-quarters (76%) of drivers say they are being blinded by the headlights of oncoming vehicles, while half (52%) have been dazzled by headlights from cars behind them.

The RAC also surveyed drivers for its annual research on headlight glare and found nine in 10 (89%) of the 2,000 drivers asked think at least some headlights on cars on the road today are too bright, of which three in 10 (28%) – a higher proportion than ever – think most are.

RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “The fact the Government has listened to drivers’ concerns and heeded our calls to examine the complex issue of headlight glare in more detail marks a real turning point. The topic has undoubtedly struck a chord with motorists up and down the country, with many people contacting us directly to call for something to be done.”

He added: “An independent study provides a golden opportunity for the Government and industry to get to the bottom of the problem, identify the factors involved and map out a way forward. We’re aware of regulatory changes being made at an international level that will hopefully make a difference in many years to come, but are concerned that these alone may not be enough to address headlight dazzle.

“There are also known shortcomings concerning the official road casualty data not accurately capturing the true number of incidents associated with headlight glare, so it’s absolutely right that the topic is investigated properly to understand what can be done to keep everyone safe.”