SIR - About 18 months ago I responded to a consultation document issued by the EU on the permanent use of dipped headlights.

Ninety-five per cent of the UK responses were against the idea, even including the Government's own response. The reasons against were increased fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

Motorcyclists were very opposed as headlights are one of their main unique means of indicating their presence on the road.

Lo and behold, recently our road safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick announced that from 2011 all new vehicles will have to be fitted with dedicated daylight running lights as required by the EU directive now issued.

Consultation clearly was a waste of time and our Parliament is yet again shown to be impotent.

MARK STARR, Leigh Sinton.