Say yes to cheaper van, home and car insurance

EU proposals to make it compulsory for all drivers to have their lights on during daylight hours have been criticised by safety campaigners.

Lawmakers are trying to introduce the rule across the whole of Europe, including the UK, saying it would make motorcyclists and pedestrians more conspicuous.

The hope is that accidents will be reduced and therefore car insurance claims would fall, but Safe Speed, the road safety campaign group, disagrees.

"It is completely obvious to us that making motorised vehicles more visible also makes pedestrians, cyclists and motorbike users relatively - and dangerously - less visible," said Paul Smith from the group.

"I am certain that adoption of this rule would increase casualties amongst pedestrians, cyclists and motorbike users. We must not allow Eurocrats to have such effects on British citizens.

"EU harmonisation may be a good idea - but never at the expense of British lives. We must not trust Brussels with our road safety policy - we must do whatever it takes to protect British road users," he added.

The Times reported that the Labour Party has "admitted this week that it was losing the argument" over the proposed laws.

Minister for transport Stephen Ladyman has already told the House of Commons: "We have to conform to the Economic Commission for Europe regulations."

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