As winter sets in and Christmas fast approaches, I want to highlight two important issues affecting West Sussex. With the darker evenings now here, many constituents have raised concerns about the glare from modern vehicle headlights. On rural roads, often narrow and winding, the intense dazzle from oncoming traffic can be more than a nuisance; it can be dangerous.
I’m especially mindful of older drivers and those with vision difficulties, such as cataracts, who are disproportionately affected. Studies show recovery time from glare increases with age, and 25% of drivers now avoid night driving altogether. While modern LED and HID headlights improve visibility for the driver, they can unintentionally blind others — a problem 85% of drivers say is worsening.
Although manufacturers must meet strict standards, real-world conditions like road geometry and vehicle height mean glare still occurs. I welcome the Government’s decision to commission research into this issue and will press for swift action once findings are published. I’m also pleased that MOT rules now prohibit retrofitting LED bulbs into halogen units, which often cause excessive glare. I will continue to advocate for safer roads and sensible regulation.
In other news, I attended the opening of the new Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester. This £6 million investment allows patients to receive prompt diagnosis and treatment from a multi-specialty team — all on the same day — helping to avoid unnecessary overnight stays.
Open daily from 8am to 10pm, the unit supports patients with conditions such as chest pain, DVT, cellulitis, and abdominal issues. It’s part of a wider programme of improvements, including a new Urgent Treatment Centre, a redevelopment of the diagnostic block, and a 24/7 Acute Stroke Centre starting next year.
I know many constituents are concerned about healthcare access, and I look forward to hearing how these new services are helping. Finally, I wish you
all a safe and peaceful Christmas, and I look forward to returning to Parliament in the New Year to continue championing the issues that matter most to those in Arundel & South Downs.
Andrew Griffith is the Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs
Contact details: Andrew Griffith MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Email: Andrew.griffith.mp@parliament.uk Website: www.andrewgriffith.uk