New research indicates strong public backing for a major legal shift that would see convicted drink-drivers forced to use technology to prevent reoffending.
Overwhelming Public Support for Stricter Measures
According to fresh data from the RAC, a significant 82 per cent of drivers support the introduction of alcohol interlocks, often called 'alcolocks'. Only 7% are opposed to their use, with the remaining 12% unsure.
These devices, already employed in nations like Belgium, Australia, and the United States, work by analysing a driver's breath. If alcohol is detected above a pre-set limit, the vehicle is immobilised, preventing it from being started or driven.
Who Should Face the New Rules?
The survey, part of the RAC Report on Motoring 2025, delved deeper into public opinion on how the technology should be applied. Among supporters, a substantial 71% believe every motorist caught over the legal alcohol limit should be mandated to have an alcolock fitted to their vehicle.
A further 23% think the devices should be reserved for repeat offenders who have been caught on at least one previous occasion. Just 6% of those in favour were unsure about the scope.
Drink-Driving Rates and the Festive Risk
The research comes as the report also uncovered that admitted rates of drink-driving are nearing pre-pandemic levels. More than one in ten respondents (12%) confessed they had driven when they believed they were over the limit, either directly after drinking or the following morning.
This behaviour is notably higher among younger drivers, with 18% of those under 25 and 14% aged 25-44 admitting to drink-driving. Support for alcolocks is also highest in these age groups, at 87% and 86% respectively, though nearly three-quarters (73%) of drivers aged 65 and over are also in favour.
The findings highlight a critical road safety issue that traditionally spikes over the Christmas period. Latest Department for Transport (DfT) figures for 2023 estimate that 260 people were killed in crashes on Britain's roads where at least one driver was over the alcohol limit. Approximately 1,600 people were seriously injured in such incidents.
A Technological Solution to a Persistent Problem
The proposed widespread use of alcohol interlocks represents a potential turning point in the UK's approach to drink-driving enforcement. By physically preventing a vehicle from operating if the driver has been drinking, the technology aims to create a direct and unavoidable barrier to reoffending.
With public sentiment clearly leaning towards a zero-tolerance stance for those caught, and with tragic fatalities continuing, the call for legislative change incorporating this technology is likely to grow louder in the new year.
