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		EU reintroduces plans for compulsory vehicle daytime running lights Wednesday, 24th September 2008 The European Commission has reintroduced plans to make Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) on all vehicles compulsory from 2011. Roger Helmer, the Conservative MEP for the East Midlands, said there have been concerns expressed in the past that DRLs could actually decrease road safety for cyclists and pedestrians as well as for motorcyclists as they can distract a driver's attention away from unlit objects and other visual information. Mr Helmer called for an independent assessment on the benefits of such lights, before any formal proposals are introduced. He said: "When the commission first mooted compulsory daytime running lights, MEPs were inundated with letters from cyclists concerned that daytime lights would make it more difficult for them to be seen. If all cars have lights on, there is a concern that drivers start looking out for lights, rather than pedestrians or cyclists." Mr Helmer believes that this would lead to an increase in motorbike accidents and he has been working closely with motor bike groups to call an end to this proposal. "The commission must prove independently that the benefits will outweigh the potential safety and environmental pitfalls. We remain sceptical about the need for EU-wide action, when different parts of Europe receive considerably varying levels of natural light."