The UK government is considering a strict new law that could see convicted drink-drivers physically locked out of their own vehicles. The proposal forms part of the new Labour Party government's Road Safety Strategy, which aims to tackle the persistently high number of deaths and injuries caused by intoxicated motorists.
How the 'Alcolock' Technology Works
At the heart of the proposed crackdown is the wider use of alcohol interlock devices, commonly known as 'alcolocks'. These are already used effectively in several countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
The device functions by requiring the driver to provide a breath sample before the vehicle's engine will start. If alcohol is detected above a pre-set limit, the ignition is disabled, preventing the vehicle from being driven. A spokesperson from One Sure Insurance explained the rationale, stating: "An alcolock removes any ambiguity around whether someone feels OK to drive or is a danger by being over the limit. If you've been drinking, the car simply won't move."
A Response to Alarming Statistics
The push for new preventative technology is driven by sobering statistics. In 2023, one in every six road fatalities in the UK involved drink driving. Industry insurance data also suggests that drink-driving is frequently a repeated behaviour, rather than a one-off error.
A government consultation will explore making the fitting of these devices a mandatory condition for some offenders to regain their driving licences. "This could mean that, in future, some drink drive offenders might be required to have one of these devices fitted to their vehicle as a condition of being allowed to drive again," a government statement confirmed.
The consultation will also examine new powers to suspend driving licences immediately for those suspected of drink or drug driving, and crucially, on lowering the drink-drive limit in England and Wales. The current limit has remained unchanged since 1967 and is now the highest in Europe.
Industry and Public Reaction
Road safety groups have largely welcomed the potential move. RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: "With levels of drink-driving still alarmingly high, drivers are very keen for something different to be done to tackle the problem."
He added that giving courts the power to mandate alcolocks "is something that drivers believe warrants serious consideration as they’re telling us the current penalties aren’t working."
Proponents argue that the technology addresses the core issue of impaired judgement. "Technology has the potential to reduce harm by addressing poor judgment, rather than relying solely on drivers to self-assess their fitness to drive," the insurance spokesperson noted.
If implemented, the policy would represent one of the most significant technological interventions in UK road safety law in decades, shifting the focus from punishment after an offence to physical prevention before a vehicle is even moved.
