Drivers back alcolocks for drink drivers
More than half of motorists (53%) want to see the introduction of ‘alcolocks’ to prevent motorists convicted of drink driving from reoffending.
This is according to a study carried out by the RAC, which also found that 23% of the 1,763 drivers surveyed didn’t think breathalysers would reduce drink driving, and a further 23% were unsure if they would.
Government data shows there were a total of 47,284 ‘driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drink or drugs’ convictions in all courts in the year ending 2023, while more than 27,000 individuals were convicted of multiple drink-driving offences in the 11 years leading up to July 2024.
Alcohol-interlocks are used in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and parts of the United States. In these countries, drivers found guilty of driving under the influence are only allowed to get behind the wheel again once an alcohol-interlock fitted to their vehicles.
These devices are removed after a set period, assuming the driver does not reoffend.
Alcolocks could save lives
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Too many lives are lost and ruined by drink-driving. It’s also very apparent that many of the drink-drivers caught by the police are reoffenders which implies something different needs to be done to change this dangerous behaviour.
“Drivers have told us they believe that alcohol-interlocks – either just for repeat drink-drivers or for everyone convicted of the offence – could be a good way of reducing drink-drive collisions and the resulting deaths and injuries which are currently far too high.
“We are aware that their use may be seen as a soft option by some, but experience from other countries suggests the opposite. Simply banning habitual drink-drivers doesn’t seem to be the answer even though they face a prison sentence, as all too often they just get behind the wheel again anyway.
“Currently the only options for courts are disqualification from driving, ordering convicted drink-drivers to attend rehabilitation courses and custodial sentences for reoffenders. Court orders that mandate alcohol-interlocks to prevent reoffending could be worth exploring in a trial. We hope the government considers this in the forthcoming road safety strategy being produced by the Department for Transport.”
