Brighter lights are dazzling drivers (From Knutsford Guardian)

Brighter lights are dazzling drivers

10:39am Thursday 14th March 2013 in Letters

RECENTLY all the traffic lights in the town have been replaced with much brighter versions.

I don’t know the reason behind this, whether it is a local decision or something rolling out nationally, but I think it is a dangerous mistake.

The lights are so bright that during the hours of darkness they dazzle the driver and render invisible both pedestrians waiting to cross and those crossing without waiting for the lights to change in their favour.

This is an accident waiting to happen.

I drive to work in the early hours, and have twice come across pedestrians in the middle of the road when the lights are on green and they simply cannot be seen until the last second.

I now use my main beam on the approach at the crossing by the police station and particularly bad is the one at the top of Middle Walk.

The latter is regularly used by revellers on their way home after a night on the town, many of whom may be the worse for wear and can often take unnecessary risks with the passing motorists.

Those of us who use the route frequently are used to this and exercise caution on the approach.

However these new bright lights just serve to put those invisible people in greater danger. I presume the whole idea was to make the pedestrian safer. I am concerned that the opposite will be the case.

DAVID ISAAC Westfield Drive, Knutsford