Birmingham dipped headlights campaign

Sir,

With reference to the recent report in the Birmingham Post, I am very suspicious regarding the eventual outcome of this campaign. May I suggest that statistics regarding accidents at night in other large towns during this past winter be collated (on the basis that the frightful weather severely restricted the number of cars travelling, with a general substantial decline in the number and seriousness of accidents) so that when Birmingham issues its report, an authentic counter-blast may be available.

This Birmingham scheme was under the auspices of two Lord Mayors and the Police and it is therefore to be expected that such statistics as are disclosed will be those to justify the scheme.

Furthermore, why the study and collation of the facts could not have persisted during the winter, with a view to a prompt comprehensive report is not understood unless the projected disclosure in August is deliberate so that it could be used in support of a further campaign for the 1963/64 winter.

A. T. Payne.
Smethwick