British summer time: Why do we still change the clocks?

This year, our clocks spring forward on March 31st at 1am, changing twice a year, but it wasn’t always so.

The decision to implement daylight savings was first introduced in 1916, although Benjamin Franklin mused a similar thought back in 1784.

Historically, the change was made to provide greater length to the day by shifting an hour of sunlight to the evening. This helped farmers work longer, while also reducing energy use and allowing for greater time spent outdoors.

Today, modern forms of lighting are more energy efficient but reducing consumption remains one reason for maintaining the change. In the average home, 25% of energy use is spent on lighting during the morning and nights.

One of the primary arguments against ditching the idea altogether though, is safety. Especially in the mornings where school children would be left travelling in the dark.

A three-year trial in Scotland which implemented BST all year round saw a net increase in the number of people killed or injured while farmers worked for hours in the dark.

Some experts have called for an end to the initiative and the European Parliament voted in 2019 to end the practice across the continent.

But for now it persists, so be sure to check your clocks and watches to avoid being caught out!