Abstract: Control apparatus for controlling windscreen wiper apparatus of a vehicle. An infra-red radiating device directs infra-red radiation from the interior of the vehicle through the windscreen to be reflected from the outer surface of the windscreen back into the vehicle where it is detected by a detector. The apparatus is responsive to variations in infra-red radiation incident on the detector to control the wiper apparatus to set the vehicle wipers in operation when dust or water is detected on the windscreen. Also, the windscreen washer apparatus is automatically operated when dust is detected. The control apparatus also operates in response to detection of a decrease in the ambient light level to operate the vehicle lights.