Labour has confirmed it is considering the installation of compulsory alcohol interlock devices in cars in England for drivers convicted of multiple drink-driving offences. The Labour Party government is examining whether these devices, which prevent a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath, should become mandatory for high-risk and repeat offenders.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander was questioned on the issue by Labour MP Sarah Coombes. Alexander stated: 'This Government is considering whether we should mandate alcohol locks in cars in cases of repeat and high-risk drink-driving offenders.'
Coombes, who has campaigned for a camera to be installed on a residential road, noted that it had finally been installed a few weeks ago and had already caught people driving at 125mph. Alexander responded: 'I do remember how struck I was by how dangerous and invasive this form of reckless behaviour is on her local roads.'
An open letter in April, signed by organisations including Road Safety GB, the RAC, Brake, the Road Victims Trust and RoSPA, called on the Government to act on its commitment to consider alcohol interlock devices, known as 'alcolocks', at the earliest possible opportunity. Alcolocks are designed to stop a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath.
Simon Williams, head of policy at RAC, said: 'The RAC has long called for measures to tackle the staggering number of repeat drink-driving offences the UK sees year on year. Alcolocks represent one of the most effective tools available to the Government, which is readily available and can have an immediate impact on high-risk and repeat offenders.' He added: 'We have seen the evidence from programmes around the world, and we know the public support is there, all that is left is for the Government to act now.'
A spokesperson for the Lock Out Drink-Driving Campaign said: 'This letter represents cross-sector support for the Government to commit to the introduction of a court-ordered alcolock programme for repeat drink-drivers. The system we see today is simply not an effective deterrent. The current penalties are not working, and offenders are repeatedly putting not only their lives but also others at risk. We need to do more so that lives are not needlessly lost. We sincerely urge the Government to utilise this once-in-a-generation opportunity to lock out drink driving for good.'
