LAW ON HEADLIGHTS IS ADEQUATE AND ENFORCED

I refer to a letter entitled 'Drivers who do not use headlights breaking the law' (South China Morning Post, February 26).

According to the legislation, no person shall drive a motor vehicle on the road during the hours of darkness or in poor visibility unless he keeps all obligatory front lamps, headlamps and rear lamps of his vehicle switched on.

The hours of darkness are defined as the time between a quarter of an hour after sunset and a quarter of an hour before sunrise.

It is considered that the existing legislation in respect of the use of vehicle headlamps is appropriate and adequate at present.

We would also like to point out that the police have never compromised their efforts in taking enforcement action. From July to December 2002, a total of 1,982 drivers were prosecuted for not turning on their vehicle headlamps during the hours of darkness or in poor visibility.

It should also be noted that as with all other drivers, those of government vehicles are required to comply with the traffic regulations, including the headlamp legislation. They are issued with a set of 'standing orders' as a reminder.