Papered Headlight Cheap, But Does Not Work

Northern Advocate, 17 November 1941, Page 6

Papered Headlight Cheap, But Does Not Work

ISpecial to “Northern Advocate”! WELLINGTON, This Day. Seven watt parking lights obscured by a double thickness of newspaper, as required by the Emergency Lighting Regulations during emergency periods, are useless as driving lights. That is the opinion of senior traffic authorities who took part in a road test during a blackout in Wellington. They give a mere glimmer which makes any speed above slow walking pace dangerous and yet the glow in front and above is visible for a considerable distance. This is in contrast with the masked headlight used in Britain. The papered parking light has one virtue; it is cheap. But it does not work. More than that, as the regulations are now worded the Emergency Precautions Services themselves are immobilised and will remain so until the regulations are revised. Not Practicable The test was made under the auspices of the Automobile Association and was attended by traffic officers. Presumably detailed reports will be made, but it was the clear impression of an observer that no matter in what detail they are written their conclusions will be the same—that parking lights obscured by two thicknesses of newspaper are not practicable lights for drivers whose one reason for proceeding during emergency must be that their missions are urgent and necessary.