Supporters of BST often argue that lighter summer evenings improve road safety, reducing traffic accidents at busy commuting times. The issue gained national attention between 1968 and 1971, when the UK ran a three-year trial keeping BST all year.
Road casualty figures fell during this period, although later analysis suggested much of the improvement was likely due to drink-driving laws introduced in 1967, rather than the clock change itself.
The trial also exposed clear regional differences. In northern Scotland the impact was less positive. Here on the shortest winter days sunrise did not occur until around 10:00 in some places, resulting in darker mornings and a rise in serious road casualties. These concerns underpin the Scottish government’s long-standing opposition to retaining BST during winter.
As a result proposals to end the twice-yearly clock change have repeatedly stalled, and there are currently no plans to alter daylight saving in the UK.
Critics also point to the disruption caused by changing the clocks, often comparing it to mild, nationwide jet lag. Losing an hour of sleep in spring has been linked to short-term effects on mood, concentration, and mental well-being.
One practical frustration has eased, however, with smartphones and connected devices now updating automatically, the seasonal time change is harder to miss —even if the debate around it remains unresolved.
