-
A no deal Brexit would mean the UK would not have to
apply the change
-
Two fifths of UK drivers support a permanent Summer
Time
-
But 45% of Scottish drivers are opposed to a
move
In the event of a Brexit deal, the UK would be obliged to
implement a permanent Summer Time effectively implemented from
next October, following a decision from the European
Commission1.
The EU Commission found that eight out of 10 (84%) wanted to
abolish the current system and so from April 2019 all EU clocks
moved to summer time will remain and not be changed back in the
October.
Should Britain leave the EU with a deal, the UK would have to
carry out the change as the policy comes into effect during the
two year transition period.
But the House of Lords will challenge the decision tonight (24
October) as it believes the Commission has overstepped the mark
by not allowing member states the opportunity to opt in to such a
move2.
According to a recent AA survey, two fifths (42%3) of
UK drivers say that the UK should no longer put their clocks back
and stick with British Summer Time permanently, according to a
survey from the AA.
However, 45% of drivers in Scotland are against such a move,
aligning with the thoughts of some Scottish dairy farmers as the
sun wouldn’t rise until 10:00 in some areas.
One of the main road safety arguments for implementing a
permanent summer time are having lighter evenings. According to
the latest road casualty statistics4, 53,417
casualties occurred during the 2016 evening rush hour (16:00 –
19:59) compared to 32,036 during the morning rush hour (06:00 –
09:59).
While some in the EU consultation argued for change based on road
safety issues, two fifths (42%) referred to their evening leisure
activities.
British Summer Time (BST) was first introduced in 1916 following
a campaign by the renowned builder, William Willett. While many
attempts have been made to change to a permanent summer time, all
have failed with the last attempt made in 20125.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA says; “While the
thought of an extra hour in bed every October is appealing,
opinion is split across the UK about the permanent adoption of
summer time.
“The prospect of lighter evenings would give way to the winter
woes of having to commute to and from work in the dark. But in
parts of Scotland, many agricultural workers could be plunged
into darkness for long periods of the day.
“Having lighter evenings could provide some road safety benefits
too, as more road casualties occurred during the evening rush
hour when compared to the morning rush hour.
“While the Lords will debate the prospect of launching a
challenge to the directive from the EU commission, the Government
hasn’t said if it is ready to call time on BST.
“If the UK is compelled to implement a permanent summer time,
drivers will no longer need to wind back the clock.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. https://ec.europa.eu/info/consultations/2018-summertime-arrangements_en#consultation-outcome
2. Report produced by the House of Lords EU Internal Market
Sub-Committee ahead of tonight’s debate https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201719/ldselect/ldeucom/200/200.pdf
3. Populus received 20,666 responses from AA members to its
online poll between the 16th and 22nd October 2018. Populus is a
member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules
4. Table RAS30012: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/668504/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-2016-complete-report.pdf
5. https://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-12/daylightsaving.html
