UK Government Consults on Alcohol Interlocks for Repeat Drink-Drivers Amid Road Safety Reforms

The Lock Out Drink-Driving Campaign has urged the UK Government to implement in-car alcohol interlock devices for repeat drink-driving offenders. This initiative is part of a broader push for tougher driving laws aimed at improving road safety. Alcohol interlock devices are designed to prevent a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath.

Studies suggest alcohol interlocks may reduce reoffending rates by up to 70 percent in certain contexts, though broader implementation outcomes vary. Simon Williams of the RAC described alcolocks as an effective tool for addressing high-risk offenders, amid ongoing debates on enforcement priorities.

Polling conducted by the RAC suggested that approximately 82 percent of UK drivers support the introduction of alcohol interlock devices.

The campaign is backed by organizations including the RAC, Brake, and RoSPA, which emphasized the need for ministers to act on alcolocks as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance road safety and reduce dangerous driving. The UK Government is currently developing a wider Road Safety Strategy that includes a major package of enforcement reforms aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on the roads.

This strategy includes consultations on tougher actions for drink driving, such as lowering the legal drink-drive limit in England and Wales, which is currently the highest in Europe and has not changed since 1969.

In 2023, approximately one-in-six road deaths in the UK were linked to drink-drive collisions, resulting in around 260 fatalities and more than 1,500 serious injuries involving drivers over the alcohol limit. The Government's consultation on road safety reforms, which includes the potential use of alcohol interlock devices, remains open until May 11.