The UK government has confirmed it will not proceed with mandatory alcolocks for drivers, following a consultation process. The RAC expressed disappointment at the decision, which was announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's administration.
Government's Decision on Alcolocks
Alcolocks are devices fitted to a vehicle's ignition system that require a breath test before the engine can start. They were proposed by the RAC to reduce drink-driving related road deaths. The government consulted on mandating alcohol interlock interface facilitation (AIIF) in all mass-produced new vehicles but decided against it.
The government stated: "The government will not mandate AIIF as part of this package of GB type approval changes. It believes it is proportionate to proceed with the broader package without delay, given that the benefits of the measure would depend on a more comprehensive policy framework for alcohol interlocks in GB."
RAC Response
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "Given the Government has also consulted on introducing an alcohol interlocks (‘alcolocks’) programme for drink-drivers as part of its consultation on the road safety strategy, it’s disappointing it's decided that alcolock interfaces shouldn’t have to be fitted to vehicles as standard. It feels like an opportunity missed as it would have made it easier to fit alcolocks to the vehicles of repeat offenders in future."
However, Williams noted that many vehicles sold in the UK already include alcolock interfaces because manufacturers sell the same models in the EU, where such interfaces are mandatory. He added: "This is not about alcolocks being fitted to all vehicles, it's about making it easier to get these devices put in the vehicles of repeat drink-drive offenders so they can't get behind the wheel drunk again."
Consultation Results
The government consultation found that more respondents agreed than disagreed with not mandating AIIF at this stage. The government will keep the policy under review as broader alcohol interlock policies develop.
The decision comes as Starmer prepares to step down as Prime Minister. The government's Road Safety Strategy explored the devices but concluded not to mandate them for now.
