Clocks are set to shift next weekend, marking the arrival of British Summer Time.
The saying spring forward, autumn back helps clarify which direction the hands should move.
During my time in law enforcement, the twice-yearly clock adjustment always generated significant discussion, especially among those working continuous shifts. Spring brought a shorter night shift for some, while autumn resulted in extended hours on a Saturday night for others.
Daylight saving in this country began in 1916 amid the First World War, primarily to reduce coal consumption for the war effort. However, the concept originated earlier in the 1900s when Kent construction worker William Willett observed during an evening horseback ride home that numerous window coverings remained closed despite abundant daylight. At that time, clocks remained on Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, meaning summer mornings could see light at 3 AM and evenings darkened by 9 PM. Though Willett secured some backing for his proposal, the Summer Time Act did not become law until wartime. Regrettably, Willett passed away the previous year and never witnessed his idea come to fruition.
Adjustments to this system have occurred since. During the Second World War, Britain implemented Double Summer Time, advancing clocks by two hours during summer months. Between 1968 and 1971, the government trialled permanent British Standard Time, but after three years, MPs voted in a free vote to revert to GMT and BST arrangements.
In an era of widespread electricity and adaptable work patterns where people are less dependent on natural light, I believe simplifying matters by adopting British Standard Time permanently warrants consideration. I recognise that parts of northern Scotland would see December sunrises near 10 AM. I also acknowledge concerns for agriculture, particularly in northern regions. Nevertheless, I question whether these considerations justify maintaining the current six-monthly switch.
Studies indicate these transitions can disrupt sleep, affect road safety and impact both physical and mental wellbeing. During the British Standard Time trial, total road injuries decreased, with evening incidents dropping substantially while morning incidents rose only marginally. The darker winter mornings associated with this arrangement prove brief, with later sunrises affecting daily life for merely a few weeks at most.
Opposition to my preference might stem from international considerations, given that most nations observe Daylight Saving Time. However, numerous countries including Azerbaijan, Jordan, Namibia, Russia, Samoa, Syria, Turkey, Uruguay, most of Mexico and certain American states have abandoned the practice. Those maintaining the system generally adjust alongside Britain. Occasionally, the change or its timing reflects political decisions rather than astronomical ones. In 2021, I worked on a Caribbean island where, following changes to online meeting times, I learned the incoming administration had overturned clock adjustment policies from the previous government, despite the sun following its usual pattern and neither approach materially affecting daily routines.
Those favouring a permanent arrangement typically prefer British Summer Time over Greenwich Mean Time, though this likely reflects the fact that BST currently coincides with milder temperatures and extended daylight, characteristics it could not maintain through winter.
Ultimately, as our internationally connected existence depends far less on solar patterns than our forebears’ did, selecting a single time arrangement seems sensible. This would eliminate considerable complexity and spare me the annual surprise of discovering an overlooked analogue clock in an infrequently used room that I have again neglected to adjust.
Former Brighton and Hove police commander Graham Bartlett continues his Brighton-based Jo Howe crime series with City on Fire, now released in paperback format.