The Department for Transport (DfT) has responded to recent calls for the Andy Burnham government to introduce mandatory alcolock devices for repeat drink-driving offenders. Campaigners and road safety organisations have urged the Labour-led administration to implement a programme requiring these breathalysers to be installed in vehicles of high-risk drivers.
The proposal targets two groups: high-risk drink-drivers and repeat offenders. In a letter sent to Mr Burnham, who is the MP for Makerfield, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the RAC, and Road Safety Great Britain collectively called on the government to act without delay.
The letter highlights that “international evidence shows alcolocks can reduce reoffending by up to 70%,” while recent RAC polling indicates that 82% of UK drivers support their introduction. It also emphasises that, despite this, UK courts currently cannot mandate convicted drink-drivers to use such devices. The letter advocates for an effective programme making alcolock use a compulsory condition for offenders to regain driving privileges, supported by monitoring and rehabilitation measures.
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“Alcolocks would prevent a vehicle from being driven after drinking,” the letter explains, “instead of relying solely on bans or penalties after an incident occurs.”
Referencing Mr Burnham’s past commitment as Mayor of Greater Manchester, the letter recalls his support for Vision Zero and the aim that no one should be killed or suffer life-changing injuries on the roads. It states that more action is needed to improve road safety, an ambition they hope Mr Burnham will extend to the entire country.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, remarked: “Drink-driving remains one of the most preventable causes of death and serious injury on our roads. Alcolocks physically prevent individuals from driving after consuming alcohol, and there is strong public support for requiring repeat or high-risk offenders to have them fitted before returning to the road.”
He further criticised delays in government action, noting that the Labour government had pledged to outline its next steps within three months following the road safety strategy consultation closure, a deadline which has since passed. “Every further delay means more preventable harm on our roads,” he warned.
A spokesperson for the DfT, now under Mr Burnham’s leadership, acknowledged the risks posed by drink-driving, stating: “Driving under the influence of alcohol endangers everyone, and each drink-drive incident is a preventable tragedy.”
They outlined ongoing measures within the department’s road safety strategy, which has included consultations on lower blood alcohol limits, immediate suspension of drink-drivers pending court hearings, and tougher sentencing. While the DfT is not currently mandating the use of alcohol interlocks, it has consulted on their potential role in preventing repeat drink-driving offences.